HARLEQUINS ONLINE PROGRAMME

Good afternoon to you all and welcome back to Sandy Park for our latest Gallagher Premiership fixture against Harlequins.

Obviously, off-field matters at other Premiership clubs have dominated the headlines this past week, but I’m not here to talk about those clubs, but instead reflect on what has been a hugely encouraging start to the new season for both our men’s and women’s teams.

It all started a fortnight ago here at Sandy Park, where we produced what was a fantastic performance to defeat the reigning champions, Leicester Tigers.

It may not have been until the dying seconds that we secured that success, but the performance of our lads throughout certainly merited the victory and was the perfect foundation from which to launch our season as a whole.

The passing of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II, meant that our intended, new-look build-up to the season was put to one side, but it did allow us to produce a wonderful and fitting tribute ahead of the match to our former Sovereign. Today, we will

reveal that new look, as well as welcome the return of ‘Big Chief’ - albeit in a different guise!

Last weekend, our women’s side followed up that performance with an equally impressive one of their own, defeating DMP Sharks 73-0 in the opening game of their Allianz Cup defence.

With 17 players currently away from the club preparing for the upcoming Women’s Rugby World Cup in New Zealand, it was somewhat fitting that some of our future stars got their chance to shine.

To cap a fine few days, the men’s side followed up their Leicester win by securing all five points from their trip to Worcester. In what were difficult circumstances surrounding the fixture as a whole, our guys stuck to task and got the job done.

TONY ROWE OBE CHAIRMAN & CHIEF EXECUTIVE EXETER RUGBY CLUB

“

The performance of our lads certainly merited the victory and was the perfect foundation from which to launch our season as a whole

ROB baxter

Truth be told, we have had a very positive start to the competition, picking up victory over the defending chanpions Leicester Tigers, then following it up last weekend with success on the road against Worcester Warriors.

In both games, the most pleasing aspect from my point of view is that we have deserved both wins - and that we probably should have made the opening game against Leicester a little easier on our hearts!

We certainly had the right game plan to challenge them and other than a couple of key decision errors, which gifted them points, we had control of large parts of the game. One key element of that win was that the final 20 minutes, where we had a great connection between our supporters and the team.

Time and time again we had to throw ourselves into attack, yet the noise and feeling from the crowd grew and grew until that unstoppable wave of emotional energy finally broke over the Leicester try-line in those final few seconds of the match. That is the kind of experience we all want to have here at Sandy Park and driving this through the season is something that we are really focused on as a collective group of players and staff.

Moving onto last week, that was a very different experience in that I felt we dealt really well with the emotional day that was created at Sixways by Worcester’s limited crowd.

I thought their supporters were fantastic and that was probably one of the best atmospheres I have experienced at that ground. This meant that every positive action from Worcester was roared with huge enthusiasm - and it did help them create a couple of periods of momentum within the game.

On the whole, I thought we dealt with the day, the occasion and the game itself really well. Crucially, we started really well, took control of the contact area, then put points on the board. Our desire to keep working was once again evident and that means we always had a strong foundation to build from. In the end, this allowed us to build that three-score cushion in the crucial end stage of the game.Now we have to move on, strive to keep getting better, keep building that feeling of direction and togetherness in the squad and to find joy in every game we play!

Finally, can I take this opportunity to welcome my opposite number, Tabai Matson, along with his staff, players, officials and supporters of Harlequins to today’s game.

Good afternoon to you all and welcome back once more to Sandy Park for the visit of one of the top teams in the Gallagher Premiership currently, Harlequins.

back by popular demand it’s the return of big chief himself

With an impressive new look, all of which has been designed around the club’s extensive new rebrand, Big Chief will return to match-days here at Sandy Park.

It was back in July 2020 that Exeter Rugby Club took the decision to retire the former ‘Big Chief’ mascot following issues raised around the club’s former Native American branding.

The club’s took on board issues raised by a section of supporters about the former theme of the mascot and, as mark of respect, took the decision to retire the mascot with immediate effect. An alternative mascot covered the 2021/22 season, but as part of the club’s new look, the time has come for change and the return of the fans’ favourite.

The club recently sent out an online request to its supporter base, asking them to give their suggestions for the new name. A plethora of names were suggested, including Troy, Baxter, The Ruggernaut, Isca, Conan, Nowellsy, Tony and Sandy, but the over-riding name that kept appearing was that of ‘Big Chief’. MAY COME IN A DIFFERENT GUISE, BUT EXETER CHIEFS’ BIG CHIEF, IS BACK!

LORD MAYOR OF EXETER REWARDS CHIEFS WOMEN ON THEIR SEASONAL ACHIEVEMENTS

The achievements of the Exeter Chiefs Women’s team in securing a first-ever piece of silverware, as well as finishing runners-up in the Allianz Premier 15s, has been honoured by the Lord Mayor of Exeter.

Having already hosted members of the team to a special civic reception and a parade through the High Street back in June, the Lord Mayor of Exeter, Cllr Yolanda Henson, visited Sandy Park to hand over a specially engraved bowl to the Women’s team.

On hand to receive the gift were Exeter Rugby Club chairman and chief executive, Tony Rowe OBE, together with Director of Rugby, Rob Baxter OBE, Women’s head coach Susie Appleby and first-team player, Linde van der Velden.

In only their second season, the Chiefs Women not only secured the Allianz Cup with victory over Harlequins at Sandy Park, but narrowly missed out on lifting the league title to rivals Saracens Women. Mr Rowe said: “We are incredibly proud of the achievements of our Women’s team, particularly given the short time they have been in existence, but they have shown already that they are a competitive force. Under the guidance of Rob and Susie, we have a world class coaching set-up which, I have no doubt, will lead us to even greater things in the future.

“A huge thank-you must go to the Lord Mayor and Exeter City Council for the gift, as well as the parade and civic reception the team were afforded.”

crew clothing extend deal with the chiefs for further three years

across the South-West coast, Exeter Chiefs are our home team and therefore a natural fit for the brand. We’re once again looking forward to seeing the players and coaching staff in Crew and supporting them throughout the seasons to come.”

As official clothing suppliers, Crew will once again be dressing both the men and women’s playing squad for match-day duties and formal events, as well as outfitting the club’s non-playing staff.

The uniform will be made up of some of the brand’s most iconic and signature styles, including blazers, Oxford shirts and chinos, all of which have been expertly tailored in-house to perfectly fit each player.

It comes at a time of considerable growth for Crew, as they expand their sporting partnerships and longstanding affinity for sport – recently signing up with the Professional Cricketers’ Association, as well as launching a technical golf collection alongside their current partnership with the Legends Tour. Crew are also proudly partnered with Henley Royal Regatta, Williams Racing and the Lawn Tennis Association.

Crew Clothing Brand Director, Georgina Clark, said: “The continuation of our ongoing partnership signifies the success of the past 12 months and once again highlights Crew’s longstanding dedication to British sport. Given our heritage in Salcombe and

Lisa Duncan, Sales & Marketing Director of Exeter Chiefs Rugby Club, added: “In what is an incredibly exciting time for the club, particularly around our new rebrand, we’re delighted to be aligned with Crew Clothing for the upcoming 2022/23 season.

As a business, it’s fantastic that we are once again teaming up with another hugely successful Devonbased brand, producing high-quality post-match clothing for both our men’s and women’s squads.

“Together, we believe both ourselves and Crew can hit new heights in terms of the reach this sponsorship agreement will bring - and we look forward to helping each other secure our respective ambitions.”

Premium British coastal brand, Crew Clothing has announced a three-year extension of their partnership deal with the Gallagher Premiership Rugby club, Exeter Chiefs.

epcr expand reach of champions cup into america with new agreement

The Heineken Champions Cup and EPCR Challenge Cup will further extend their reach in the booming USA rugby market following the announcement of a new three-year broadcast partnership between EPCR and the leading sports streaming platform, FloSports.

As the exclusive broadcaster of EPCR’s tournaments in the USA until the conclusion of the 2024/25 season, FloSports will stream matches in each of the pool stage and knockout stage rounds, including both finals which are scheduled for Dublin’s Aviva Stadium in May 2023.

The deal is part of an historic alliance which will

see the Heineken Champions Cup and the EPCR Challenge Cup bundled with key fixtures in the United Rugby Championship and France’s TOP 14.

“The Heineken Champions Cup is the pinnacle of international club rugby and we are delighted to enhance the global reach of our flagship competition, as well as the EPCR Challenge Cup, through this exciting partnership with FloSports alongside two of our leagues – the URC and the TOP 14,” said EPCR Chairman, Dominic McKay.

“The US market is a key strategic priority for EPCR as we build the audiences and awareness of our world-class competitions in new territories.”

macdonald in world cup squad

Exeter Chiefs star Claudia MacDonald is heading for the Women’s Rugby World Cup next month after today being named in the England squad for the upcoming tournament.

The summer signing from Wasps is part of a 32-strong group selected by head coach Simon Middleton.

Sarah Hunter captains the group, which comprises of 19 forwards and 13 backs. The squad includes six who were part of the 2014 World Cup winning squad, while 19 members of the group are set to make their maiden World Cup appearances in New Zealand.

The Red Roses face Fiji in their opening pool C game (Saturday October 8, Eden Park, Auckland). They then take on France (Saturday, October 15) before returning to Auckland for their final pool fixture against South Africa (Sunday, October 23).

All fixtures are available to watch on ITV.

Forwards: Z Aldcroft (Gloucester-Hartpury), S Bern (Bristol Bears), H Botterman (Saracens), S Brown (Harlequins), P Cleall (Saracens), A Cokayne (Harlequins) V Cornborough (Harlequins), L Davies (Bristol Bears), R Galligan (Harlequins), S Hunter (Loughborough Lightning, capt), S Kabeya (Loughborough Lightning), L Keates (Worcester Warriors), A Matthews (Gloucester-Hartpury), M Muir (Gloucester-Hartpury), C O’Donnell (Loughborough Lightning), M Packer (Saracens), C Powell (Gloucester-Hartpury), M Talling (Loughborough Lightning), A Ward (Bristol Bears)

Backs:H Aitchison (Saracens), J Breach (Saracens), A Dow (Wasps), Z Harrison (Saracens), T Heard (Gloucester-Hartpury), L Infante (Saracens), E Kildunne (Harlequins), C MacDonald (Exeter Chiefs), S McKenna (Saracens), L Packer (Harlequins), H Rowland (Loughborough Lightning), E Scarratt (Loughborough Lightning), L Thompson (Worcester Warriors)

g/km. The figures provided are as a result of official manufacturer’s tests in accordance with EU legislation. For comparison purposes only. styles, environmental conditions, load, wheel fitment and accessories fitted. Off-road sequences on dedicated land with full permissions.

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RUGBYSHORTS

TRIBUTES POUR IN FOR FORMER WALES CAPTAIN EDDIE BUTLER

Heartfelt tributes have been paid to a broadcasting giant following the death of Eddie Butler, aged 65. The former Wales captain who, after retirement on the field became a much-loved, iconic voice for the BBC, died in his sleep whilst on a charity trek on the Inca Trail in Peru.

Butler was a key part of the Pontypool side which dominated Welsh club rugby in the late 1970s and early 1980s, captaining the side between 1982-85.

The imposing back-row forward made his Wales debut in the 18-9 victory over France in January 1980 and went on to win 16 caps between 1980-84.

He leaves his wife Susan and his six children.

GENGE ALREADY HELPING TO LIFT STANDARDS AT BRISTOL BEARS

Bristol Bears head coach Pat Lam says homecoming hero Ellis Genge is already helping to lift standards at the Gallagher Premiership club. Genge re-joined the Bears this summer after six years with Leicester Tigers and immediately made an impact in his side’s opening day win over Bath, scoring two tries.

Naturally, Lam is delighted with the input shown from the England international, saying: “He’s a competitor, somone who has high standards. But it’s actions that ensure he gets better.

“Phenomenal is probably the word. He has actions, first and foremost, followed by very, very calm words that match his actions. He wants to represent his people again and that is what drives him.”

DIAMOND REMAIN UNSURE AS TO FUTURE FOR WORCESTER

Worcester director of rugby, Steve Diamond, admitted following his side’s battling defeat to Exeter Chiefs that the future of the crisis-hit Warriors remains in serious doubt.

The financially-strapped club met last Friday’s deadline to be allowed to fulfil this fixture, but Diamond warned that a line had to be drawn somewhere.

The RFU has said it will continue to work with Worcester’s owners regarding funding and potential takeover proposals with debts spiralling as high as £25m and many players and staff yet to receive their full August salaries.

“In the professional era, no DoR should be regarded to deal with such a situation,” he said. “There are limits to how many times people can turn out on goodwill.”

McFARLAND SECURES A NEW LONG-TERM DEAL WITH SARRIES

Samoan forward Theo McFarland has a new long-term deal to stay with Saracens.

The 26-year-old, who can play either in the second row or back-row, made 26 top flight appearances during an impressive first season at the Stone-X Stadium.

“Theo fitted into the group well and we are thrilled that he will be us for the long-term,” said Saracens Director of Rugby, Mark McCall.

Team-mate Duncan Taylor has also agreed a new oneyear contract extension to stay with the Londoners through to the end of this season.

The Scottish international has been with the club since 2012 and has won 28 Test caps since making his debut in 2013.

THREE-WEEK BAN FOR SCHONERT

Sale Sharks prop Nic Schonert has been handed a threegame ban at a disciplinary hearing for a high tackle in Saturday’s Gallagher Premiership win at Bath.

The 31-year-old South African received a red card for a direct “dangerous” contact to the head of Bath lock Dave Attwood in the ninth minute of the game at The Rec.

Schonert accepted the charge at Tuesday’s independent panel hearing and will now miss the upcoming Premiership Rugby Cup games against Leicester Tigers and Newcastle Falcons, as well as the Premiership clash at home to Exeter Chiefs.

The home of domestic rugby

HEAD COACH: TABAI MATSON

Born in Nausori Hospital in Fiji on May 14, 1973

A talented centre during his playing days, Matson started out at Canterbury in New Zealand in 1994, before moving up to Super Rugby with the Crusaders two years later.

Matson would continue his career overseas, featuring for CA Brive, London Irish and Yamaha Jubilo, whom he would later start coaching career with.

On the international stage, Matson has featured for New Zealand on five occasions, as well as Fiji on two occasions.

Matson became head coach of Harlequins in 2021, but has also coached at clubs including Canterbury, Gold Coast Breakers, Crusaders and Bath.

Born in Surrey on April 27, 1997

He started playing at the age of six for Warlingham RFC, but played no representative rugby until he attended Cardiff Metropolitan University in 2015, where he would also go on to represent Wales Under-20s in the 2017 Six Nations Championship.

Dombrandt signed for Harlequins in February 2018 and within a year he made his England debut in a non-cap match against the Barbarians, scoring two tries.

The all-action No.8 played a pivotal role in helping Harlequins secure their second Gallagher Premiership title in 2021, where they overcame Exeter Chiefs 40-38 in the highest scoring Premiership final ever.

In July 2021. Dombrandt won the first of his seven international caps for England, making his debut in a 70-14 victory against Canada at Twickenham. man:

HARLEQUINS

England and British and Irish Lions fly-half Marcus Smith returns to start for Harlequins today in what will be his first match of the season away to Exeter Chiefs in Round Three of the Gallagher Premiership.

Fellow International Danny Care also returns, but will start the clash at Sandy Park from the replacements bench. Smith and Care’s fellow summer tourist Jack Walker will lead the side in first his start of the season as the team travels to Sandy Park, joined in the front row by Wilco Louw following injury to Will Collier last weekend.

A final change to the starting line-up sees Archie White slot in at No.8 in place of the injured Alex Dombrandt, who was also forced off during last weekend’s home defeat to rivals Saracens.

Amongst the replacements, Argentinian prop Santiago Garcia Botta and versatile forward Matas Jurevicius will make their first Gallagher Premiership appearances of the season, while wing Nick David returns to fitness to don the 23 jersey.

Each club won its respective home game when the two teams met last season, whilst Harlequins’ only victory at Sandy Park since 2014 was in the Premiership Rugby Cup in February 2020.

Harlequins Scrum and Transition Coach Adam Jones said: “There’s always lessons you take away from a defeat and we’ve had a pretty good review of last weekend’s game. There are things we can do better and we’re looking to head down to Exeter this week with those learnings and have a good crack at Exeter.

“Last season aside, Exeter have been an incredibly

consistent team over the last five or six years and have always been in and around the final. Going away to Sandy Park, you know if you have a team that can stick up well against them you’ve got a pretty good side, so this is a great match for us following the Saracens game. We’re going down there to have a good crack at them.”

So far this season, Harlequins kicked off their campaign with a thrilling 40-31 victory away to Newcastle Falcons at Kingston Park.

In an 11-try thriller in the North East, Tyrone Green, Wilco Louw, George Head, Lennox Anyanwu, Alex Dombrandt, and Joe Marchant all opened their try-scoring accounts, with Marchant’s securing the result.

Last weekend, however, Harlequins were undone on home soil by Saracens in a bruising London derby.

Winger Cadan Murley scored two tries to give the hosts a 14-0 lead, before Sarries hit back with tries of their own through Elliot Daly and Max Malins.

A try apiece followed for both sides, but it was Daly who had the final say with a penalty to make it 30-27.

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NIGEL WALROND

IT was a very strange experience being at Sixways Stadium last Sunday, not sure whether it was going to be the last time we saw Worcester Warriors play there.

The club’s financial problems had been well documented in the lead-up to the game. In fact, we only found out 48 hours before that the match was even going ahead, after various assurances had been given over safety by the owners.

However, it was really brought home to myself and John Lockyer when we arrived at the ground, and instead of being greeted by the usual three separate lines of security to get through just to park your car, there was just one – two young people with a clipboard telling you where to go.

The absence of fans on the media side of the ground, no wifi, and the sight of Tony Rowe and the Chiefs’ directors having to find food and drink for themselves at the refreshment outlets outside the ground, with no hospitality on offer, merely rammed it home.

It must have been incredibly difficult for both sets of players to actually concentrate on the game in front of them; for the Worcester players with worries about their families and paying their mortgages, and the Chiefs players with all the added distractions coming from the reduced-size crowd allowed into the game due to the safety certificate limitations.

Applause after 65 minutes to mark the only 65% of their wages many staff have been paid; after 70 minutes to mark the death of Her Majesty The Queen; and before the game as all the Warriors staff took to the pitch to receive the thanks of the supporters for continuing to keep the club going in such awful circumstances. That was a wonderful, moving moment.

There was also unusual football-style chanting of ‘We love you Worcester, we do’ coming from the stand throughout the game, yet Exeter kept their minds on the job and came away with the five points they sought; while the Warriors players showed great character by refusing to lie down, even when three scores behind, fighting to the bitter end.

Hopefully, by the time you read this, there will be better news on Worcester, but the over-riding feeling driving home on Sunday night was first and foremost concern for the Warriors staff, but also what a special sport rugby is when everyone comes #Together – the hashtag adopted by the staff during this time of crisis.

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slade ready to go again after hectic summer

CHIEFS SET FOR

By his own admission, it’s been quite a summer for Exeter Chiefs and England star Henry Slade.

Having kicked off the summer with a long-awaited operation on a troublesome shoulder operation, he would end it not only a married man, but a player fully focused on the new season ahead.

Today, the 29-year-old playmaker will return to competitive action here at Sandy Park, determined to help the Chiefs build on what has been a hugely encouraging start to the new 2022/23 season.

Watching on first as his England team-mates secured a summer tour success over Australia then, more recently, his fellow Chiefs defeating Leicester Tigers and Worcester Warriors, the time has come for the Plymouth-born star to get back to the rigours of his day job.

Forced to miss the trip Down Under due to surgery, Slade combined rehabbing that injury with attending his own stag weekend and subsequent wedding to new wife, Megan.

“It’s been a pretty hectic summer to be fair,” he said. “That said, it’s been really good at the same time. Obviously, getting over the shoulder operation took a fair bit of time, but having the chance to breakaway from that slog in the gym with the stag weekend and then the wedding was class.

“Obviously, I’ve known for a while that I’ve needed the operation and this summer was the right time. Yes, it meant me missing out on the England tour and pre-season with

the boys, but it had to be done and now I’m ready to go again in what should be a big season ahead.”

Certainly the Chiefs will be looking to improve on last season where the Devonians missed out on the end of season final for the first time in six years.

Slade admitted a lot of tough talking had taken place at the end of last seasonto address certain areas of concern.

“We had a lot of good chats towards the end of last season between the group,” he said. “Everyone put their cards on the table and we came up with a new focus to move forward. The rebrand of the club came at a good time as it’s given us new theme, new excitement to really go after.”

Whatever has been said, it’s clearly had the desired effect with some notable displays in the opening weeks of the new campaign.

“Last season hurt, but there are reasons for it,” added Slade. “It’s tough to stay at that top level, but I think all of us will be better for some of the experiences we went through. I wouldn’t say we are in a rebuilding phase, but it will take time for that next period of growth. The signs moving forward are encouraging and now we just have to take it to that next level.

“I think for all of us, it’s an exciting time and days like this weekend are what it’s all about.”

WHO WE ARE

The Exeter Chiefs Foundation is a charity that exists with the sole aim of helping other charities.

All of the money we raise is donated to worthy causes in and around the city with a focus on supporting ‘tangible’ investments.

These have included funding building and renovation works, the installation of play equipment, and assistance with buying a large number of vehicles, ranging from minibuses to a boat for the Topsham Sea Scout Group.

Founded by club Chairman Tony Rowe OBE, the team of trustees is drawn from the Chiefs board of directors and the business community.

As well as deciding on how the charity’s money is shared, the trustees organise a number of fundraising events each year including the prestigious Devon Sports Awards, as well as pre-season and end of season gala dinners.

All charities in the greater Exeter area are able to apply for funds, either from an annual designated pot of money, or one-off donations (see more below).

The amounts awarded by the trustees range from a few hundred pounds, to a record £50,000 which was matched by the Exeter Summer Property Ball Committee and presented to Hospiscare to pay for the vital refurbishment of a 12-bed ward at Searle House in Exeter.

To date the Foundation has raised £2m.

OUR MISSION

“We are a fundraising organisation committed to improving the prosperity of the communities we serve by making donations that make people’s lives better.”

HOW THE CHARITY WORKS

The Exeter Chiefs Foundation raises funds in two ways:

1) Designated funds: This is the money generated on Exeter Chiefs match days through bucket donations and car parking. Each season we ‘adopt’ 20 charities who help to collect spare change and notes. At the end of the fundraising year, the cash is shared with our designated charities at a celebratory dinner. The list of charities is reviewed by the trustees annually.

2) Undesignated funds: These are funds that are generated by friends and supporters of the charity or any non-match related events organised by the Foundation. This money goes into a separate pot that any charity or organisation can apply for, at any time.

In January 2019, the Foundation received a record £350,000 non-designated donation following the fine imposed on Saracens after being found guilty of breaching the league’s stringent salary cap regulations. The Chiefs board of directors voted unanimously to hand over the club’s share of money.

CHARITIES SET TO BENEFIT FROM EXETER CHIEFS

FOUNDATION THIS SEASON ARE CONFIRMED

Charities across Exeter and its surrounding area are set to benefit from the fundraising efforts of the Exeter Chiefs Foundation during the course of the 2022/23 season.

Established back in 2011 by the Exeter Chiefs and a selected group of local businessmen to help promote the local community and the vision of people who work there, the Exeter Chiefs Foundation has helped to not only transform the lives of many local people in need, but has helped to deliver significant investment to charities and organisations in need.

With over £2.5 million raised since its inception, the Exeter Foundation has helped to directly fund over 150 charities and organisations, including the designated charities selected each year and several other projects and schemes.

Last season close to £200,000 was raised and distributed by the Exeter Chiefs Foundation, helping to change lives and improve standards and facilities for so many different people.

During the 2022/23 season, a total of 32 charities – Age UK Exeter, Balloons, Brain Tumour Support, Children’s Hospice South West, Community Equality Disability Action, Dartmoor Search & Rescue, Devon Air

Ambulance, Devon Rape and Sexual Abuse Services, Dream-A-Way, Exeter & East Devon Motor Neurone Disease Association, Exeter Athletic RFC, Exeter Community Initiatives, Exeter Dementia Action Alliance, Exeter Chiefs DSA, Exeter Food Action, Exeter Leukemia Fund, Exeter Lions Club, Force Cancer Charity, Freedomwheelers, Its In The Bag Cancer Support, Jay’s Aim, Living Options Devon, RAMM, RD&E NHS Trust, Royal Marines Charity, See The Future, South West MS Centre, Stanley Beau Foundation, Vranch House, Westcountry Hawks Wheelchair Rugby, Wooden Spoon Devon and Yoga for the Front Line – will all benefit from fundraising events and dinners across the year, together with collections at all Sandy Park match-days. Exeter Foundation chairman, Tony Rowe OBE, said: “Every year we are seeing the Foundation grow in stature. The work it has done for all the charities since we launched it all those years has been simply fantastic.

“We know from speaking to all the charities involved that the funds we raise really do make a difference in so many ways.”

T: WOODMAN (3), ROBERTS, ALLEN, McGILLIVRAY, LEITCH, MOLONEY, BUCHANAN, McGOVERNE (9)

Sharks: H Thorpe; A Ishida, D Phan (J Clabby 75), S Badger, K Kacirkova (J Scrimgour 47); K Thomas-Roberts (capt), E Jennings (G Trimble 62); S Herrick, N Haynes (E Brewster 62), M Gardner (S Thomas-Thompson 40, M Gardner 72); J Wiesheu (K Smith 57), T Cowan; T Churm, I Hannay (L Thorpe 57), J Hazell.

Yellow Card: Cowan

Chiefs: K Buchanan; C Woodman, N McGillivray, L McGoverne, H Derera (D Preece 72); F Robinson, B Bradley (S Langford 61); M Roberts (P Muzambe 49), C Moloney (C Nielson 54), G Grimes (L Hanlon 49); N Fryday, C Willett (N Orchard 54); E Jefferies (E McMahon 27), P Leith (capt), M Allen (I Hartley 72).

Referee: R Rees

SUSIE APPLEBY HEAD COACH

STEVE SALVIN ASSISTANT COACH

Excitement is building amongst youngsters from across the region as Exeter Chiefs Community department prepare to play host to the 2022 Defender Premiership Cup at Crediton RFC on Sunday, October 9.

Defender is the Official Vehicle Partner of Premiership Rugby; a partnership that has been running for nearly two decades. The brand support of rugby in the UK is at all levels of the game, from grassroots to the elite. Land Rover support for grassroots rugby is typified through the Defender Premiership Rugby Cup, a nationwide series of rugby festivals for Under-11 and Under-12 teams.

For each Under-11 and Under-12 team involved in the Defender Premiership Rugby Cup there is the chance to win an exclusive trip to this season’s Gallagher Premiership Rugby Final, at Twickenham Stadium on June 18.

Vital in fostering the values at the heart of the

game, the Defender Premiership Rugby Cup is a key part of the grassroots rugby calendar each season that allows Land Rover to connect with the rugby community and the people at the heart of it.

The events are designed to provide aspiring young players with the chance to play competitive fixtures in a format to aid their development, all within the spirit of rugby’s core values of Teamwork, Respect, Enjoyment, Discipline, and Sportsmanship (TREDS).

The Defender Premiership Rugby Cup, which is fully booked, has helped over 100,000 youngsters discover rugby through the annual rugby events, with some realising their dreams of going on to play for Premiership Rugby clubs.

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