Montpellier Match Day Programme

CHEERS TO ALL FANS

Chief Executive & Chairman: Tony Rowe CBE, Hon LLD

Deputy Chief Executive: Keiron Northcott

Directors: Rob Baxter OBE, Steve Byrne, Mark Champion, Brian Lodge, Chris Over

Managing Director: Natasha Pavis

Sales and Marketing Director: Lisa Duncan

Finance Director: Nicky Teague

Stadium Operations Director: Mark Isaacs

Administration Director: Toni Percival

President: Bob Staddon

Director of Rugby: Rob Baxter OBE, Hon LLD

Head Coach: Ali Hepher

Coaches: Rob Hunter, Ricky Pellow, Omar Mouniemne, Haydn Thomas, Gareth Steenson

Academy Manager: Rob Gibson

Team Manager: Tony Walker

Head of Strength & Conditioning: Mark Twiggs

Director of Sports Medicine: Adrian Harris

Head of Sports Medicine: Jamie Fulton

Corporate Account Manager: Sam McIntyre 01392 890879 - (M) 07741 146980

Media & Communications Manager: Mark Stevens

Community Development Manager: Aron Struminski

Merchanise Manager: Sarah Scott - 01392 890872

Design & Production: Jonny Carus

Programme Editor: Mark Stevens

Photography: JMP, Getty Images, Steve Haag Images, Inpho, Olly Woodburn

welcome

Good afternoon to you all and welcome back to Sandy Park for our Heineken Champions Cup Round of 16 clash with Montpellier.

There is, I guess, only one place to start and that is last weekend’s Gallagher Premiership loss away to Bath. No one associated with the club needs telling that the performance we displayed seven days ago was nothing short of ‘unacceptable’.

Over the years we have prided ourselves, both on and off the field, as a club who give everything to the cause and, sadly, that could not be said of last weekend at The Rec.

It was the proverbial ‘bad day at the office’ and I know Rob, the coaches and the players themselves have had some pretty honest and frank discussions amongst themselves in the wake of last weekend.

That said, the good thing about sport is that often you don’t have to wait too long to put matters right and today’s fixture offers us a great opportunity to right the wrongs of the Bath performance.

With a place in the quarter-finals up for grabs for today’s winners, there is really no greater incentive for the team and us as a club to fire ourselves up for what should be a formidable European challenge against one of the top teams in France.

Montpellier are certainly no strangers to us, having met numerous times in Europe in recent years, so we are acutely aware of their rugby pedigree and the threat they will pose come kick-off.

As supporters, you can also play your part in

helping our cause, so let’s get behind the team from minute one and help roar us into the last eight.

On another note, I wanted to congratulate the many members of our women’s side who were in international action last weekend. To see so many representing their countries - and the Chiefs for that matter - on the big stage is fantastic and due reward for what has been an outstanding season so far.

What particularly pleased me was the five inclusions we had in the England Under-20s squad that tackled Scotland up at Newcastle’s Kingston Park. As we have talked about many times, these players are the future of the Chiefs Women’s set-up, so to have that homegrown talent coming through the ranks like they are is hugely encouraging moving forward.

Finally, you will also have seen that we have announced a number of music concerts here at Sandy Park. Having another viable revenue stream, particularly in the off-season, is essential, so I hope as many of you as possible will come along and enjoy the concerts we have created.

TONY ROWE CBE

CHAIRMAN & CHIEF EXECUTIVE EXETER RUGBY CLUB

“

We know all too well what it takes to succeed at this level and fixtures like today are the ones that challenge us as a squad and as a club

PROUDLY SERVING THE TRADES & DIY SINCE 1770.

welcome

“The emphasise the enduring quality of the tournament, the clubs that reached this season’s knockout stage had as many as 27 EPCR titles between them

A warm welcome to this Round of 16 fixture in the Heineken Champions Cup as competition for a coveted place in the 2023 Dublin Final really begins to hot up.

The knockout stage generates its very own brand of compelling, high-stakes rugby, and it’s win or bust now for the remaining elite clubs who remain in contention for the 28th Heineken Champions Cup Final, which will be staged at the Aviva Stadium on Saturday 20 May.

Following the historic introduction of the leading South African clubs into this season’s Heineken Champions Cup, it came as no major surprise that the Cell C Sharks, DHL Stormers and Vodacom Bulls all qualified in impressive style for the business end of the tournament at the first attempt.

To emphasise the enduring quality of the tournament, the clubs that reached this season’s knockout stage had as many as 27 EPCR titles between them.

In addition, as you are no doubt aware, the clubs with the highest rankings from the pool stage earn home advantage for the Round of 16 and quarter-final matches.

We are delighted to be joined on the journey to Dublin by our long-standing title partner,

Heineken, by our official partners, DHL, IHG and Tissot, by our official supporters, Gilbert and Kappa, and also by our official airline partner in South Africa, Qatar Airways.

Our loyal broadcast partners, BT Sport, beIN SPORTS and France Télévisions, continue to provide unrivalled coverage of the Heineken Champions Cup in the UK, Ireland and France respectively, while SuperSport in South Africa, ITV and RTÉ in the UK and Ireland, S4C in Wales and FloRugby in the USA and Canada are making valuable contributions to the growth of tournament.

On behalf of everyone at EPCR, enjoy the match and best wishes to you, the fans, as well as to your club’s players and staff for what promises to be another tension-packed occasion in the Heineken Champions Cup knockout stage.

DOMINIC MCKAY

EPCR CHAIRMAN

welcome

I would like to extend a warm welcome to everyone attending this 2022/23 Heineken® Champions Cup game.

I think it’s safe to say that the previous rounds have really whetted our appetite as we advance in the knockout stage of the tournament and look forward to more excellent rugby.

As always, we wish the best of luck to all participating sides, and particularly to our UK teams that continue to impress in the tournament.

We eagerly anticipate hosting some fantastic contests such as Exeter Chiefs v Montpellier and the all-UK ties of Saracens v Ospreys and Leicester Tigers v Edinburgh Rugby.

I’m sure, like me, you are all very much looking forward to seeing Europe’s foremost sides give their best over the following weeks.

Rugby in the UK is known for bringing people together to enjoy the incredible atmosphere and top-class sporting performances. Cheers, and the very best of luck today, to all the players, officials and supporters of these fine teams.

BOUDEWIJN HAARSMA

MANAGING DIRECTOR HEINEKEN UK

ROB baxter

Good afternoon to you all and welcome to Sandy Park for today’s Heineken Champions Cup encounter with Montpellier.

I expect most of our supporters are finding us pretty strange to follow at the moment. On one hand, we can finish second in the Champions Cup pool with a home last 16 place secured; we’ve won all but one home game so far this season, plus we’ve won our first trophy of the season by claiming the Premiership Rugby Cup just a fornight ago.

When you look at it like that, things seem pretty good. On the other hand, though, we have interspersed that with pretty average away performances in the Gallagher Premiership!

Nobody is more frustrated by this than me and I am not going to pretend that there is an easy answer or that a flick of a switch can address everything in one go. We do have some core fundamentals that drift in and out of the team, hence the inconsistent performances, but that does also mean that they are there and we need to bring them to the fore as much as we can over the remainder of this season.

The exciting thing about this weekend is that we are at home and it’s a Champions Cup game, two things that have brought the best out of us this season and we have to draw on that to allow us to play with confidence and direction. That is how we will challenge Montpellier and when we genuinely challenge sides we can beat anyone.

I am not going to write now talking about last week at Bath because we have dissected this at length in house. For obvious reasons there were some tough words and some tough decisions to be made, but now we have to look forward to the game today and what we can achieve in the Champions Cup.

For us, it is a fantastic opportunity to not just take another step forward in the competition, but to take a step forward as a team, every game is an opportunity to grow and we must grow!!

.Finally I would like to take this opportunity to welcome Montpellier back to Sandy Park. To their coaches, players, officials and supporters, we hope you enjoy your stay with us.

Enjoy the Game!

Rob

hogg to call time on playing career after this year’s rugby world cup

Exeter Chiefs star Stuart Hogg has this week announced that he will retire from professional rugby after this year’s World Cup in France.

In a statement on social media, the Scotland and British & Irish Lions full-back - who joined the Chiefs in 2019 from Glasgow Warriors - confirmed that the tournament in September will be his last.

He said: “After RWC 2023, my professional rugby journey will end and I will be retiring from the game.

“As a young kid growing up in the The Borders, all I wanted to do was play rugby for Scotland. I feel privileged to have represented my country on 100 occasions, play on three British and Irish Lions tours and represent some amazing clubs. I couldn’t have asked for any more.

“I’ve so many people to thank and I will get round to you all. First and foremost is my wife Gill, my parents, my brother and my kids. I’m so lucky and proud to have such a loving family that have supported me every step of the way.

“Rugby has allowed me to meet some incredible characters, make lifelong friends, travel the world and be part of some unbelievable experiences that I will cherish forever.

“Knowing what lies ahead, I have a real hunger to play the best, most enjoyable rugby of my career, finishing the season strongly with Exeter Chiefs before attacking the opportunity we, as a nation, have in France.

“I don’t feel my body can achieve the standards that I set myself for much longer and I’ve always wanted to finish at the top end of the game. After the tournament, a new career beckons and I will attack it in the same manner as I play the game. I hope I have done you proud.

“100 not out (just yet).”

RUGBY. DELIVERED.

TEAMWORK. SPEED. DELIVERY. THERE CAN BE ONLY ONE OFFICIAL LOGISTICS PARTNER. DHL.

devoto describes ‘special feeling’ following exeter’s cup triumph

Ollie Devoto described the ‘special feeling’ of helping Exeter Chiefs lift a third Premiership Rugby Cup crown with victory over London Irish.

The England international was used as a second half replacement for the Devonians, who secured their 24-20 success in extra time at the Gtech Community Stadium.

For Devoto, it capped what has been a remarkable return to fitness for the 29-year-old, whose last first team fixture before the final was that of New Year’s Day in 2022.

Sidelined with injury, which required operations on both of his hips, it was certainly a moment of savour for the talented centre.

“It’s a special feeling, especially with that group of lads,” he said. “A lot of those boys are coming on and knocking on the door. They may not be getting the opportunity they deserve just yet, but it’s infectious being in that environment with them.

“This week we spoke about being brave, backing ourselves, so it’s awesome to get the result like we did.”

As one of the more experienced names lining up for the Chiefs, Devoto said he was delighted to play his part in securing yet more silverware for the club.

“It was tough, but all finals are tough,” he added. “London Irish put us under pressure, especially around the set-piece, but the pleasing thing from our perspective was we all dug in and we found a way to win.”

The celebrations certainly lasted long into the night for the Chiefs, who have made no secret of the fact that they are looking to create a special end to the season, particularly as they look to transition from losing a number of long-serving players at the end of the season to that of bringing through the next generation of talent.

“The kids are alright,” said Devoto. “There is some real talent coming through at the club, but equally it will be sad to see some of the boys leave at the end of the season. I’ve played for a long time with a lot of them, so I think we all want to ensure that we finish the season on a high.”

macdonald at the double for the red roses

Exeter Chiefs star Claudia MacDonald scored twice as England Women kicked off their Six Nations Championship with a resounding 58-7 win over Scotland at Newcastle’s Kingston Park.

MacDonald’s brace was part of an impressive display from Simon Middleton’s side, who also added tries through Marlie Packer (3), Amy Cokayne (2), Tatyana Heard, Poppy Cleall and Sadia Kabeya.

The day, however, was all about co-captain Sarah Hunter, who brought the curtain down on her illustrious career. Hunter led the side out on her 141st and final appearance. Elsewhere in the competition, Ireland captain

Nichola Fryday said lessons would be learnt in the wake of her side’s comprehensive 31-5 loss to Wales in Cardiff.

The Exeter Chiefs lock grabbed her side’s only points of the game as Wales - who included Exeter’s Abbie Fleming in their starting lineup - ran in tries through Alex Callender, Keira Bevan, Sioned Harries and skipper Hannah Jones.

In a friendly in Madrid, a late try from Chiefs prop Hope Rogers helped the USA Eagles to victory over Spain. Rogers scored twice with Eti Haungatau also touching down for the visitors, whose other points came from the boot of Gabby Cantorna.

prop painter looking to make the most of his move to the chiefs

Ehren Painter says he’s ‘excited’ at the challenge that lies ahead after he completed his move to Exeter Chiefs from Gallagher Premiership rivals Northampton Saints.

The 24-year-old tight-head prop, who has played 84 times for the Saints, will move to Sandy Park with immediate effect.

A product of Northampton’s Academy, Painter – who tips the scales at 133kg and stands 6ft 3in - made his senior debut for the club against Saracens in 2018 and has been a regular within their first-team ever since.

Born in London, he represented England at age-grade level, including for the Under-20s in both the Six Nations and World Rugby Championships in 2018. Now, Painter is set to test himself in a new environment at the Chiefs.

“I’m looking forward to the move and being part of what should be a really exciting end to the season,” he said. “Exeter are a club I have huge respect for. Having come up against them numerous times, you know the threat they pose in terms of their pack of forwards.

“Strengths of what they do well are what I like to think I have within my own game. Going down there, testing myself in a new environment, I think it will be good for my game. Having a new outlook on things, learning from different coaches, playing with different players, it’s all going to add to my game.”

Painter is Exeter’s second new addition to the frontrow inside a week with the Chiefs confirming at the weekend the arrival of Georgian loosehead Nika Abuladze.

max enjoys sleep-out with the chiefs

Max Woosey described his night camping with some of his Exeter Chiefs heroes at Sandy Park as simply ‘brilliant’.

The rugby-loving youngster, known to many as ‘The Boy in the Tent’ pitched up on the Sandy Park turf for a special camp-out alongside players and coaches from the club’s men’s and women’s teams.

The 13-year-old has attracted worldwide attention for his amazing fundraising efforts after he started camping out in March 2020 to raise funds for North Devon Hospice.

Three years on and having battled Covid lockdowns, as well as every conceivable weather condition going, Max has to date amassed over £700,000, helping to directly

fund 15 nurses for a whole year at the hospice. Recently, Max confirmed that he is set to bring his camping adventure to an end, including one final night out at the Broomhill Estate at Muddiford, near Barnstaple.

However, before packing away his tent and heading back into the comforts of his family home in Braunton, Max also wanted to have a special camp out at his favourite team, the Exeter Chiefs, who were delighted to offer their support.

Joined by school mate Joe West, Max and his dad camped out with Ben Moon, Richard Capstick, Harry Hocking and Fin Richardson from the men’s side, Georgie Grimes and Eden McMahon from the women’s side, as well as forwards coach, Rob Hunter.

T: S SIMMONDS, SLADE, COWAN-DICKIE (2), WOODBURN

C: J SIMMONDS (5)

Chiefs: J Hodge; J Nowell, H Slade, S Kata (R O’Loughlin 70), O Woodburn; J Simmonds (H Skinner 63), S Maunder (J Maunder 63); S Sio (J Kenny 63), L Cowan-Dickie (capt, J Yeandle 58), H Williams (J Iosefa-Scott 67); D Jenkins (R van Heerden 67), J Dunne; D Ewers, C Tshiunza, S Simmonds (G Fisilau 67).

Saints: T Freeman (T Collins 55); J Mann, M Proctor, F Dingwall (C Braley 68), C Skosun (R Hutchinson 47); G Furbank, A Mitchell; A Waller (E Iyogen 54-63), M Haywood (R Smith 58), P Hill (A Petch 62); A Coles (K Wilkins 72), A Moon; L SalakaiaLoto, A Scott-Young (S Graham 63), L Ludlam (capt).

Referee: A Leal Attendance: 8,215

MATCH STATS

52% 59% 98 5

POSSESSION TERRITORY TACKLES TRIES

48% 41% 139 3

TOP PERFORMERS

T: DINGWALL, PROCTOR

C: FURBANK

T: RUIZ (2)

C: ATKINS (2)

P: ATKINS (2)

Irish: J Stokes; M Williams (A Harmes 64), W Joseph (E Poolman 54), T Hitchcock, M Dykes; J Atkins, H O’Sullivan (C Englefield 90); F Gigena (T Haffar 51), I Ruiz (M Cornish 64), L Chawatama (C Parker 65); J Caulfield (E Scragg 90), C Munga; J Cooke (capt), J Basham, S Fa’aso’o (J-M Gonzalez 53).

Yellow Card: Basham

T: INNARD, IOSEFA-SCOTT, DAVIS

C: I JENKINS, J SIMMONDS

P: I JENKINS

Chiefs: T Wyatt; D John, S O’Brien, T Hendrickson (O Devoto 56), R O’Loughlin; I Jenkins (J Simmonds 72), T Cairns (W Becconsall 51); D Southworth (J Kenny 64), J Innard (capt, I Harris 64), P Schickerling (J Iosefa-Scott 55); M Williams (J Kirsten 55, C Teague 80), J Dunne; C Tshiunza, A Davis, R Tuima.

Yellow Card: Southworth

Referee: A Leal Attendance: 7,663

MATCH STATS

49% 52% 244 2

3

YEANDLE STREET DUNNE GRAY KIRSTEN TSHIUNZA CAPSTICK INNARD KENNY SCHICKERLING V HEERDEN EWERS J MAUNDER O’LOUGHLIN CORDERO YEANDLE STREET DUNNE GRAY KIRSTEN TSHIUNZA CAPSTICK INNARD KENNY SCHICKERLING V HEERDEN EWERS J MAUNDER KATA CORDERO C-DICKIE WILLIAMS V HEERDEN GRAY EWERS TSHIUNZA CAPSTICK YEANDLE KENNY SCHICKERLING JENKINS S SIMMONDS S MAUNDER O’LOUGHLIN HOGG

RICHARDSON PEARSON TEAGUE LEATHERBARROW VINTCENT TUIMA NOREY SOUTHWORTH JOHNSON BAILEY GRUBB JAMES WYATT F NOWELL C-DICKIE WILLIAMS DUNNE D JENKINS KIRSTEN VERMEULEN S SIMMONDS YEANDLE I-SCOTT SCHICKERLING V HEERDEN CAPSTICK S MAUNDER J SIMMONDS KATA YEANDLE WILLIAMS KIRSTEN GRAY VERMEULEN TSHIUNZA CAPSTICK C-DICKIE I-SCOTT SCHICKERLING V HEERDEN EWERS S MAUNDER SKINNER KATA

WILLIAMS V HEERDEN GRAY EWERS TSHIUNZA VERMEULEN YEANDLE I-SCOTT SCHICKERLING DUNNE S SIMMONDS S MAUNDER J SIMMONDS O’LOUGHLIN YEANDLE WILLIAMS V HEERDEN GRAY EWERS PEARSON VERMEULEN INNARD HEPBURN I-SCOTT DUNNE TSHIUNZA S MAUNDER J SIMMONDS KATA YEANDLE WILLIAMS DUNNE V HEERDEN EWERS PEARSON VERMEULEN INNARD HEPBURN I-SCOTT JENKINS TUIMA S MAUNDER BECCONSALL O’BRIEN

INNARD WILLIAMS D JENKINS V HEERDEN EWERS PEARSON VERMEULEN FROST SIO SCHICKERLING DUNNE TUIMA S MAUNDER BECCONSALL FEYI-WABOSO

YEANDLE WILLIAMS D JENKINS V HEERDEN PEARSON TSHIUNZA VERMEULEN FROST SIO SCHICKERLING DUNNE EWERS S MAUNDER BECCONSALL KATA

INNARD I-SCOTT BELL BAILEY TUIMA DAVIS FISILAU NOREY SOUTHWORTH JOHNSON TEAGUE GRONDONA JAMES CORNISH F NOWELL

INNARD I-SCOTT DUNNE PEARSON TUIMA DAVIS FISILAU FROST SOUTHWORTH SCHICKERLING BAILEY GRONDONA CAIRNS

GALLAGHER PREMIERSHIP PREMIERSHIP RUGBY CLUB HEINEKEN CHAMPIONS CUP

T:

T: CARRERAS

Chiefs: J Hodge (J Simmonds 60); J Nowell (capt), I Whitten, S Kata (R O’Loughlin 68), O Woodburn; H Skinner, S Maunder (J Maunder 60); S Sio, D Frost (J Yeandle 58), M Street (P Schickerling 65); J Kirsten (M Williams 62), J Dunne; D Ewers, J Vermeulen (A Davis 37), S Simmonds. Replacement (not used): D Southworth.

Yellow Cards: Whitten, Davis

Falcons: E Obatoyinbo (I Stephens 65); A Radwan, M Morini, M Orlando (P Lucock 73), M Carreras; B Connon, M Young (capt, S Stuart 54); A Brocklebank (L Mulipola 58), J Blamire (O Fletcher 73), R Palframan (M Tampin 60); P Rubiolo (T Dalton 65), S de Chaves; F Lockwood, C Chick, C Fearns (T Marshall 65).

Yellow Card: Chick

Referee: T Foley Attendance: 9,198

MATCH STATS

49% 52% 134 4

51% 48% 128 1 POSSESSION

TOP PERFORMERS

MANAGEMENT EXETER CHIEFS

TONY WALKER TEAM MANAGER

ROB GIBSON ACADEMY MANAGER

ADRIAN HARRIS

DIRECTOR OF SPORTS MEDICINE

JAMIE FULTON

HEAD OF SPORTS MEDICINE

ADAM REUBEN

CLUB DOCTOR

STEVE HAW

PHYSIOTHERAPIST

ALEX HOLLAND

PHYSIOTHERAPIST

JOSH KENNEDY

PHYSIOTHERAPIST

JONNY MARKS

PHYSIOTHERAPIST

TOM EAST

SPORTS REHABILITATOR

MARK TWIGGS

HEAD OF STRENGTH & CONDITIONING

ROB BEDDARD

STRENGTH & CONDITIONING COACH

LES BARROW

STRENGTH & CONDITIONING COACH

NICK COX

STRENGTH & REHABILITATION COACH

ARON STRUMINSKI

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT MANAGER

GARETH ELLIOTT

HEAD OF PERFORMANCE ANALYSIS

MATT TRIBBLE / OLLIE CHALK

ANALYSTS

KYE MUNSLOW OPERATIONS & KIT MANAGER

ROB HUNTER FORWARDS COACH

RICKY PELLOW SKILLS COACH

HAYDN THOMAS SENIOR COACH

GARETH STEENSON SENIOR COACH

ALI HEPHER HEAD COACH

OMAR MOUNEIMNE DEFENCE COACH

ROB BAXTER OBE DIRECTOR OF RUGBY

RUGBYSHORTS

BATH BRING IN SOUTH AFRICAN POWERHOUSE PROP DU TOIT

Bath have signed South African tight-head prop Thomas du Toit, who will join the club after the 2023 Rugby World Cup.

The 27-year-old was part of the Springboks side that won the World Cup in 2019 and has been capped 15 times since his debut in 2018.

Du Toit has played for the Sharks in the United Rugby Championship since 2014 and has captained the side.

“He is a world-class operator at scrum time,” said Bath head of rugby Johan van Graan. “There are not many players in the world who could play on both sides of the scrum to an international standard, maintain control and have destructive power.

“He is another player we have added to our squad who also possesses fantastic carrying ability to get the side over the gainline.”

HASSELL-COLLINS AGREES MOVE TO THE TIGERS NEXT SEASON

Leicester Tigers have confirmed the signing of Ollie Hassell-Collins from London Irish ahead of the 2023/24 season.

The England international graduated from the Exiles Academy and has since gone on to become a prolific try-scorer in the top flight since making his senior debut in 2018.

Tigers Interim Head Coah Richard Wigglesworth said: “Ollie is one of the game’s most exciting young wingers and it’s very pleasing he will be a Tigers player next season. He has shown in a short space of time that he is capable of scoring tries, yet there is still so much growth in his game.”

Meanwhile, Mike Brown will remain at the Tigers beyond this season after initially signing a short-term deal in January.

Wigglesworth added: “I’m really pleased for Mike, who has earned a new deal with not only his performances, but in the way he has come into the club and added to the group. His experienced and professionalism have proved invaluable.”

LEINSTER CONFIRM SEXTON TO UNDERGO SURGERY ON INJURY

Ireland captain Johnny Sexton looks set to miss the remainder of the season after suffering a groin injury.

Sexton was hurt during the closing stages of Ireland’s Six Nations title and Grand Slam-clinching victory over England in Dublin two weeks ago.

Sexton’s provincial tean Leinster confirmed the 37-year-old underwent a procedure on the injury on Tuesday.

It means that Sexton, who will retire after the World Cup later this year, has probably played his final game for Leinster, who are currently chasing a Heineken Champions Cup and United Rugby Championship trophy double.

Ireland’s opening World Cup warm-up Test is against Italy in Dublin on August 5.

Leinster host Ulster in the Round of 16 in the Champions Cup this weekend with the winners facing a home quarterfinal against either Leicester Tigers or Edinburgh next weekend.

FALCONS LOOK TO THE FUTURE AS WALDER LEAVES POSITION AS DOR

Newcastle Falcons director of rugby Dave Walder has left his position at the club less than a year after he succeeded former boss Dean Richards.

Although he will not officially depart until the end of the season, Walder has stepped aside immediately to allow Mark Laycock to take on the role.

The 44-year-old formerly played for the Falcons before returning as a coach. He took charge of the club after Richards stepped down in May 2022 following 10 years at Kingston park.

“Realistically we haven’t been where we want to be for a few years now and as a club we recognise the need to make changes to our approach to achieve our goals,” said chairman Matt Thompson.

“Transitional periods like this are never easy and unfortunately we are going to lose some good people along the way. Our aim is to be a sustainable club that is here for years to come.”

DEPARTING SKOSUN TO LEAVE SAINTS AT END OF THE SEASON

Northampton Saints wing Courtnall Skosan is to leave the Gallagher Premiership club at the end of the season. The 31-year-old South African joined the club from the Golden Lions in 2021 and marked his debut with a hattrick of tries against Worcester Warriors.

He has scored 19 tries in 37 games, having previously won 12 caps for the Springboks.

“He’s been a cracking character to have around,” said Saints director of rugby Phil Dowson. “He’s a great role model for the younger lads and the whole have an enormous amount of respect for him.”

TMO: JOY NEVILLE TODAY’S

REFEREE: ANDREW BRACE

TOUCH JUDGES: EOGHAN CROSS & OISIN QUINN

TK: ANDREW PEARCE

MONTPELLIER-HERAULT

champions cup record

PLAYED 66

WON 23

DRAWN 3

LOST 36

Founded: 1986

Ground: GGL Stadium

500 Avenue de Vanieres 34000

Montpellier

Capacity: 13,360

Website: www.montpellier-rugby.com

Champions Cup Results:

v LONDON IRISH (A) W 27-32

v OSPREYS (H) L 10-21

v OSPREYS (A) L 35-29

v LONDON IRISH (H) D 21-21

HEAD COACH: Philippe Saint-Andre

CAPTAIN: Yacouba Camara

GROUND: Stade Pierre Fabre

NIGEL WALROND

It was fabulous to be at the Gtech Community Stadium in west London to see Exeter Chiefs lift the Premiership Rugby Cup or its equivalent for a third time.

Six pieces of silverware in the last nine years tells its own incredible story of what has gone on at Sandy Park in the past decade.

It also shows the club has a very bright future, with a great crop of youngsters coming through. However, what a difference a week makes!

Chiefs’ supporters went from the joy of winning the trophy in Brentford to the misery of last Sunday at Bath, when Exeter once again collectively ‘failed to turn up’ against the Premiership’s bottom side.

While the future looks bright, the here and now is very worrying, and director of rugby Rob Baxter pulled no punches in his after-match assessment.

He admitted it was a complete mystery as to why the Chiefs are able to be so good at home – they have only lost once at Sandy Park all season, and that to runaway Premiership leaders Saracens – and often so woeful away – they have not won in the league on their travels since that amazing 50-14 victory at Bristol in early October.

That feels like a lifetime ago now, and if like me you have been to pretty much all the away games since then, it has been a gruelling few months. Whereas you used to be able to travel in the expectation that the Chiefs would win, or at least come away with a losing bonus point, recently it has been more a case of how many are they going to lose by?

They have been thrashed at Saracens, Harlequins and Bath in the past three months

– performances that have quite rightly drawn plenty of criticism from supporters, who have been asking ‘What on earth is going on?’

Rob admitted last Sunday that he is determined to get to the bottom of it, but whether it is too late to save the Chiefs’ Premiership season, only time will tell.

Two of their last three games are away from home – at third-place Leicester and fourth-spot London Irish – with a home match against Bristol in between.

They really need to win all three now to stand a chance of a top-four finish and a place in the end-of-season play-offs, but given their current away woes, of more concern is that they could drop out of the top eight and miss out on Champions Cup rugby next season.

Gloucester, Bristol and Harlequins are all hard on their heels, and after so many seasons of dining at European rugby’s top table, a campaign of Challenge Cup matches would be hard to swallow.

Today offers some respite from their Premiership troubles when they welcome Montpellier in the Champions Cup round of 16, and win this and they will have a home quarter-final.

However, the players will need to show a massive improvement on last weekend.

Will the real Chiefs we all know and love please turn up today!

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OFFICIAL SUPPLIERS

SIMMONDS LOOKING TO FINISH ON A HIGH NOTE

EXETER ACE KEEN TO MAKE MORE MEMORIES

Sam Simmonds’ time as an Exeter Chief may soon becoming to an end, but the all-action forward is determined his final days in Devon will be packed full of memories.

In what could prove to be his penultimate run-out at Sandy Park this afternoon, the England and British & Irish Lions has made no secret of the fact that he intends to lap up ever last minute of his Chiefs career.

Ironically up against the club he will join next season, the 28-year-old will be looking to throw the proverbial spanner in the works to his soon-to-be employers as the Chiefs target a last eight place with victory.

For that to happen, Rob Baxter’s side will need to show a marked improvement on their display of a week ago at Westcountry rivals Bath. Not only did the Chiefs slip to defeat against the Premiership then basement club, but the performance was one that left the Exeter Director of Rugby clearly unimpressed.

Some tough talking on all sides have followed this week and Simmonds, who was named European Player of the Year in 2020, is confident there will be reaction of sorts from the Chiefs.

“After a loss like that, it’s important you come together, have a chat and be honest about everything,” said Simmonds. “There were a few tough conversations, but that’s understandable after a performance like that. We all know it wasn’t up to standards and it’s a game none of us were proud of.

“Thankfully, we feel like we’ve thrashed things out this week, training has been good and there has been a real energy amongst the group because we know the challenge that is coming.”

With Simmonds set to bring to an end his long-standing career as a Chief, he admits the upcoming weeks are going to be tough, not just for him, but for a number of others who are

terms of his playing career, but for his family as well.

“Playing Montpellier this weekend adds that little bit extra for me,” he added. “I’m sure it would have been the same for Harry and Dickie had they been fit. Depending on results, this could be my penultimate game at Sandy Park. This has been my home for the past 10 years, so I want to finish on a high.

“Deciding to make the move, yes it was a tough decision. All I’ve ever known is the Chiefs, but I said at some stage in my career I wanted to try something different. Heading to France next season will be different, not just in terms of the rugby, but the language and the lifestyle. But that’s next season, for now all my thoughts are on finishing strongly with Exeter.

“As I said, there are a few of us leaving at the end of the season and I’m sure there will be a fair bit of emotion when it does come to say goodbye. At the same time, we all love this club and we want to use that to spur us on and put in some big performances.

“There are some huge games to come between now and the end of the season and there is still so much for us to play for. Montpellier this weekend is the start of that and now we have to go out there and put in a performance. As players we know the fans are frustrated with last week, but we are own biggest critics. None of us go out not to perform, so hopefully we can show a response this weekend.”

GALLAGHER PREMIERSHIP ROUND 21 REVIEW

BATH RUGBY 36

T: Redpath, Obano, Cokanasiga, Dunn, Lawrence; C: Spencer (4): P: Francis

EXETER CHIEFS 19

T: Kata, Sio, Yeandle; C: Slade (2)

LEICESTER TIGERS 46

T: Youngs, Watson, Montoya (2), Pollard, Clare;

C: Pollard (4), Gopperth P: Pollard (2)

BRISTOL

BEARS 24

T: Thacker, Ibitoye, Randall

C: MacGinty (2), Ibitoye; P: MacGinty

LONDON IRISH 37

T: Fa’aso’o, Pearson, Loader, Munga; C: Jackson (4); P: Jackson (3)

NORTHAMPTON SAINTS 22

T: Augustus, Freeman, Ludlam;

C: Smith, Hutchinson; P: Smith

NEWCASTLE FALCONS 17

T: Radwan, Obatoyinbo; C: Connon (2); P: Connon

GLOUCESTER 12

T: Blake, Thorley; C: Carreras

SARACENS 36

T: Lozowski, Tompkins, Christie, Maitland, Itoje; C: Farrell (4); P: Farrell

HARLEQUINS 24

T: Dombrandt, Murley (2), Marchant

C: Smith (2)

TOP POINTS SCORERS

TOP TRY SCORERS

TOP METRES MADE

TOP CARRIES MADE

GALLAGHER PREMIERSHIP ROUND 22 FIXTURES

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.”

WOMEN’S FIXTURES, RESULTS & STATS

LIVE FOR MATCH DAY

WOODMAN

TURANI NIELSON HANLON FRYDAY LEITCH JEFFERIES ALLEN V-D VELDEN MOLONEY MUZAMBE JACOBY FLEMING JOHNSON BRADLEY WILKINS PREECE

ROGERS MOLONEY MENIN FRYDAY LEITCH JEFFERIES ALLEN JOHNSON TUTTOSI TURANI JACOBY FLEMING McMAHON BRADLEY WILKINS SINCLAIR

ROGERS MOLONEY MENIN FRYDAY LEITCH JEFFERIES ALLEN JOHNSON TUTTOSI TURANI JACOBY FLEMING McMAHON BRADLEY WILKINS CRAMER

ROGERS TUTTOSI MENIN FRYDAY FLEMING JEFFERIES JOHNSON ZACKARY NIELSON TURANI HANLON LEONARD LEITCH BRADLEY WILKINS CRAMER

ROGERS MOLONEY MENIN FRYDAY LEITCH JEFFERIES ALLEN JOHNSON TUTTOSI TURANI JACOBY V-D VELDEN McMAHON BRADLEY WILKINS McGILLIVRAY

ROGERS MOLONEY MENIN FRYDAY LEITCH JEFFERIES McMAHON JOHNSON TUTTOSI TURANI JACOBY V-D VELDEN SENFT BRADLEY WILKINS McGILLIVRAY

TURANI TUTTOSI JACOBY FRYDAY LEITCH JOHNSON McMAHON ZACKARY NIELSON ROGERS MENIN LEONARD SENFT ROBINSON SHEEHAN DOIDGE

ROGERS

REPLACEMENT OFF THE BENCH BENCH RED CARD YELLOW CARD

MANAGEMENT EXETER CHIEFS WOMEN

MAIN SPONSOR KEY CLUB PARTNERS

SUSIE APPLEBY HEAD COACH

STEVE SALVIN ASSISTANT COACH

hitz students get stuck into the action at local clubs

Exeter’s award-winning HITZ programme is renowned for its success stories and we’re delighted to highlight two more involving some of our students.

The first is about Korbin, a Teignmouth player botn and bred, who was back at his hometown club, but this time wearing the colours of the Westcountry Hornets.

The Hornets have been incredibly supportive of Korbin’s needs and have allowed him time and sace with the support to get back to playing rugby, as well as building his confidence.

The second story involves Kaci, who recently played her first-ever game of rugby.

She was awarded the ‘Forward of the Day’ accolade for her team and really enjoyed her experience.

The fixture was made up of youngsters from Under18s teams at Crediton, Newton Abbot, Teignmouth and Exeter Saracens. We now look forward to sharing more of Kaci’s journey in the coming months.

HITZ is Premiership Rugby’s education and employability programme wgicg works with over 2,000 14-18 year-olds across England every year.

HITZ uses rugby’s core values of teamwork, respect, enjoyment, discipline and sportsmanship to get young people not in education, training or employment back into education, training, apprenticeships and/or employment and is delivered nationally by 12 professional rugby clubs.

To find out more about the Exeter Chiefs HITZ programme, visit the section on our website or email: garethwilliams@exeterchiefs.co.uk for more information.

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