There’s plenty to get excited about in February for rugby fans, as Europe’s greatest league kicks off again.
Odds are already available for several of the upcoming games, so here’s a look at how the bookies are rating the teams for the first couple of encounters. Remember that, with the big betting firms keen to attract new players, there are plenty of offers out there if you know where to look. Some comparison sites offer a really simple free bet checker so you’ll know you’ve got the best value available on the day.
Ricky Pellow says Exeter Chiefs will look to attack from the outset when they face rivals Bath in Sunday's LV= Cup battle at the Recreation Ground (1pm).
A 19-5 win over holders Harlequins - courtesy of a Sireli Naqelevuki try and 14 points from the boot of Ceri Sweeney - gave the Chiefs the ideal start to their domestic cup campaign at Sandy Park a week ago.
Now, though, the Devon club will make the short trek up the M5 this weekend not only looking to maintain their winning formula, but at the same time record a first win over their hosts since 1978.
The New York Times have praised the Exeter Chiefs in a glowing article crediting the Heineken Cup side as 'the first outsider in a generation to truly crack the closed circle at the top of the English game".
Following the Chiefs' clinical performance against Cardiff last weekend and today's narrow defeat to Glasgow, they currently sit at the top of Pool 2 and are poised to capitalise on their second shot at success in Europe. The New York Times described Exeter's performance against their Welsh opponents last Sunday as the "result of the round".
Join us at Sandy Park, home to the mighty Exerter Chiefs, for the British & Irish Lions Tour taking place on the following dates:
- Saturday 22nd June
- Saturday 29th June
- Saturday 6th July
What better way to watch the Lions Tour if you're not heading to Australia...
Starts from 10am on each date - For kick off at 11am
Join us a Sandy Park & enjoy a British breakfast, Irish pint & watch the British & Irish Lions take on the Australian Wallabies. With pre-game banter from some of our very own Exeter Chiefs!...
Head coach Rob Baxter has delivered a glowing tribute to younger brother Richard, just days before he pulls on an Exeter Chiefs jersey for the final time. Saturday’s Aviva Premiership clash at home to Gloucester will see the 34-year-old notch up his 431st and last appearance for the Devon club, some 16 years after he made his first team debut in an away fixture at Fylde. It is, according to the Chiefs boss, an “incredible story” and one which underlines the impact the talented back-row forward has had on his hometown club. This weekend, though, the curtain comes down on a glittering career...
Chiefs came into this match knowing what a strong outfit Devonport are, fully deserving their top spot in the shield competition. This would turn out to be a classic rugby match between the top two teams.
Devonport started very well, their lads physically bigger than Chiefs but not as efficient or fast. The visitors were awarded early penalties but were unable to put any points on the board. After ten minutes and following a breakdown at a Devonport scrum, Chiefs secured the ball and quickly moved it along the back line for Stefan...
England Rugby 2015, Organising Committee for Rugby World Cup 2015, have today confirmed that Sandy Park, home of Premiership Rugby side Exeter Chiefs, has been added to the long list of match venues for Rugby World Cup 2015. The Devon venue has been identified as one of a number of potential hosting sites by competition organisers, who are keen to ensure the four-yearly tournament utilises venues all over the country. Sandy Park, which was built in 2006 at a cost of £15 million, meets all of the Rugby World Cup 2015 minimum standards criteria, including playing facilities, pitch size,...
The Exeter Chiefs hooker looks back in anger - and forward in hope - in his latest column...
I ended last week’s column saying “until next time”. I can’t believe it’s been a week: it seems like only five minutes has passed until “next time” has arrived. So this week’s post is brought to you courtesy of inspiration - but probably most of all frustration.
What a fantastic adventure and experience to go over and play the four-time Heineken Cup champions in their own backyard and come away with a losing bonus point.
Over the years Richard Baxter has experienced plenty of high points during a distinguished Exeter playing career, but even the Chiefs No.8 had to admit Saturday's Aviva Premiership victory over Harlequins was "right up there".
With the Chiefs looking to bounce back following their 30-8 mauling by the Leicester Tigers the week previous, the Devon club used their return to home pastures as the perfect launch-pad from which to produce easily...
They have a warning around these parts 'Beware of the Wounded Tiger'.
Having come unstuck at home to defending Aviva Premiership champions Harlequins on home soil the week previous, Leicester Tigers clearly had no intentions of suffering a similar fate as they welcome Exeter Chiefs into town.
Undone twice in the top flight by Rob Baxter's side last term, there would be no repeat this time round for the Tigers, who ran in three tries through winger Adam Thompstone, plus a further 15 points from the boot of fly-half Toby Flood.
