After a horrible season, the worst within the membership’s PREM historical past, the Chiefs will likely be hoping for stability and success in 2025/26.
An absence of management and expertise in key areas price Exeter dearly on their option to a ninth-place end. The Chiefs suffered a document defeat at Gloucester and have been certainly one of solely two groups to be overwhelmed by Newcastle, the one aspect beneath them within the desk.
All of the whereas, there was speak of a disconnect between coaches and gamers, with Chairman and CEO Tony Rowe very vocal in his criticism.
Coaches have come and gone, Rob Baxter has been moved again right into a extra hands-on position, and it’s hoped that this summer time’s recruitment may have addressed a number of the downside positions.
Right here’s our tackle the depth of the squad heading into the brand new PREM season.
Loosehead: Kwenzo Blose, Ethan Burger*, Will Goodrick-Clarke, Khwezi Mona*, Scott Sio
Wallaby Scott Sio remains to be the standout loosehead, whereas the sizeable Will Goodrick-Clarke will likely be hoping to place final season’s troubles behind him and set up himself as the subsequent in line. The Chiefs have added some South African beef, too, however it stays to be seen how a lot of an affect they may make. Depth score: 6.5/10
Hooker: Joseph Dweba, Louie Gulley, Julian Heaven, Sol Moody, Max Norey, Jack Yeandle
By all accounts, Springbok Joseph Dweba has appeared excellent in pre-season and Julian Heaven additionally comes with an excellent status. Regular-eddy Jack Yeandle might be getting into his swansong season and can need to go away issues in good order, whereas younger Louie Gully is one to observe. Depth score: 7.5/10
Tighthead: Josh Iosefa-Scott, Ehren Painter, Jimmy Roots, Bachuki Tchumbadze*
With Ehren Painter nonetheless injured, the Chiefs will likely be seeking to Josh Iosefa-Scott to proceed the shape that gained him England A recognition final season. Georgian Bachuki Tchumbadze ought to add loads of scrummaging energy. Depth score: 6.5/10
Lock: Joe Bailey, Oscar Beckerleg, Alfie Bell, Dafydd Jenkins, Lewis Pearson+, Christ Tshiunza+, Andrea Zambonin
With three internationals to select from, Rob Baxter isn’t wanting lock choices, and Alfie Bell appears to be like the decide of the younger crop of second rows. Dafydd Jenkins is a category operator, however the Chiefs want his fellow Welshman, Tshiunza, to dominate greater than he does. At 6’8, Italian Andrea Zambonin will likely be a towering presence. Depth score: 7.5
Again-row: Richard Capstick+, Greg Fisilau, Tom Hooper+, Kane James, Martin Maloney, Ethan Roots, Rusi Tuima+, Ross Vintcent
Jacques Vermeulen’s departure to Sale is a blow, however Exeter nonetheless have loads of high quality right here. Wallaby Tom Hooper is without doubt one of the Chiefs’ signature signings and can seemingly play blindside, Ross Vintcent and Greg Fisilau supply dynamism and energy in the back of the pack, and Kane James is extremely aggressive. Richard Capstick will miss the primary few months of the season, so that they have been scored down barely for that motive. Depth score: 8/10
Scrum-half: Will Becconsall, Tom Cairns, Charlie Chapman, Stephen Varney
Ex-Gloucester duo, Italian worldwide Stephen Varney and Charlie Chapman, have arrived to hopefully present faster ball. Will Becconsall, who you’d ordinarily count on to be third in line, broken his shoulder in opposition to the Pirates in pre-season, so they’re one scrum-half mild. Depth score: 7/10
Fly-half: Ben Coen, Will Haydon-Wood, Iwan Jenkins, Harvey Skinner
Exeter’s lack of star mud at 10 stays a fear. England U20s playmaker Ben Coen has the potential to be an excellent PREM 10, however remains to be uncooked in top-flight expertise, whereas Will Haydon-Wood and Harvey Skinner look like a lot of a muchness when it comes to high quality. Chiefs want somebody to run the present, like a Finn Russell or a George Ford, and also you wouldn’t financial institution on the incumbent 10s doing that. Depth score 6/10
Centre: Len Ikitau, Will Rigg, Henry Slade, Tamati Tua, Zack Wimbush
Regardless of the dearth of creativity inside him, Len Ikitau will most likely show to be one of many signings of the season. Ikitau has been one of many Rugby Championship’s standout performers and can carry all day lengthy. His partnership with the subtler expertise of Henry Slade – until Slade is pressured to play as a makeshift 10 – may very well be an amazing mix. Will Rigg offers Chiefs a second crash-ball possibility behind Ikitau and Zac Wimbush can be an enormous lump. A ruptured Achilles means Tamati Tua will miss many of the season. Olly Woodburn and Ben Hammersley can even play 13 if wanted. Depth score: 8.5/10
Wing: Paul Brown-Bampoe, Immanuel Feyi-Waboso, Ben Hammersley, Olly Woodburn
Paul Brown-Bampoe lit up the Premiership final yr and was one of many Chiefs’ few shining lights. If he can keep that kind and Immanuel Feyi-Waboso’s present harm setback is simply short-term, the Chiefs have two of one of the best finishers round. In any other case, they’ll want a number of the academy lads to come back by means of and compete with Hammersley and Woodburn. Depth score: 7/10
Full-back: Josh Hodge, Dan John, Tommy Wyatt
Tommy Wyatt remains to be out together with his ACL harm and Dan John is just not match in the meanwhile, both, so it’s an excellent job Josh Hodge is because of be again anytime quickly. Hammersley and Haydon-Wooden can fill in at 15, if wanted. Depth score: 6/10
General score: 70.5
Gallagher PREM scores desk
1. Tub – 83pts
2. Northampton – 80pts
3. Leicester – 78.5pts
4= Bristol – 78pts
4= Sale Sharks – 78pts
6. Exeter Chiefs – 70.5pts
7. Gloucester – 68pts
Gamers listed alphabetically: *Can play either side of the scrum, + lock/again row
