Sale Sharks GP Match Day Programme

Chief Executive & Chairman: Tony Rowe OBE, Hon LLD

Deputy Chief Executive: Keiron Northcott

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

Managing Director: Natasha Pavis

Stadium Operations Director: Mark Isaacs

Sales and Marketing Director: Lisa Duncan

Finance Director: Nicky Teague

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 and Getty Images

welcome

Good afternoon to you all and welcome to Sandy Park for today’s Gallagher Premiership encounter with Sale Sharks .

After last week’s bye week, it’s back to the cut and thrust of the action which, it has to be said, is rising by the week as we head towards the business end of the season and the inevitable scramble for honours on all front.

Right now, I think we can be pleased with how we are placed in every competition. Our victory a fortnight ago against today’s opposition means we will contest the Premiership Rugby Cup Final against London Irish, after which we can then focus our thoughts on the Heineken Champions Cup and the quest to reach the Premiership play-offs.

Equally, our women’s side are performing magnificently, taking over at the top of the Allianz Premier 15s last weekend, as well as reaching the last four in their defence of the Allianz Cup.

With so much to look forward to in the coming weeks, I do believe this is a great time to be a Chiefs supporter. Your backing for both our teams will be vital in our seasonal goals, as it will for us moving forward.

And it’s on that thinking, that we have looked at our Season Ticket offering for next season. Many of you have been part of a remarkable ride in recent

years, but we’re not done there and our vision is to continue to cement ourselves amongst the elite of both the English and European game.

As everyone is aware, the current economic horizons are challenging for us all - and that supporting your team can be a labour of love, both emotionally and financially. It does, however, give us an outlet to escape from the trials we face in our daily lives.

Both as a club and a business, we are working tirelessly to ensure what we offer here is for every member of the Chiefs family. That is why our prices for next season reflect that, both from catergorising matches to expanding our offering in a more affordable and more accessible way.

I want to assure every support that our commitment to excellence and to our community remains as strong as ever. We will continue to strive for success and to provide an unforgettable experience for our fans.

TONY ROWE CBE

CHAIRMAN & CHIEF EXECUTIVE EXETER RUGBY CLUB

“

As a club, our vision is to continue to cement ourselves amongst the elite of both the English and European game

ROB baxter

Good afternoon everyone and welcome to today’s crunch Gallagher Premiership encounter with Sale Sharks.

It really feels like we are getting into the business part of the season, particularly as we enter the last seven rounds, and pretty much the last third of the regular season.

What has made this season so different to many others is that so many teams are realistically fighting for the top four spots. As I write these notes, just four points separate third from eighth in the table. However, even the bottom three teams could all challenge with a run of form.

Our own personal form has been good, winning three out of four Premiership games. It was a sequence that lifted us to third spot ahead of last weekend’s fixtures. As it was our bye week, however, others capitalised and we slipped from third to sixth, meaning we now enter this weekend under a little pressure to collect points and drive ourselves up the table again.

Such is the competitive nature of the division, it does mean that every game is hugely important, and it makes a lot of games very tense and enjoyable for supporters across the country.

Interestingly, our last game was against today’s opponents in the Premiership Rugby Cup semi-final. On the day, we played really well and, crucially, started the game with real heat, which is always important against Sale as they are one of the top performing teams in the first quarter.

Most areas went well for us and our experienced players combined really well with a number of youngsters who had individually good games. This in turn culminated in a very complete team performance.

Our success that day means we will now head to London Irish on March 19 to contest the final and I really hope we can get a good deal of support there to cheer on the team in what should be a great occasion.

At the same time, I would also like to wish good luck to our players involved in the Six Nations Championship, both senior and Under-20’s. It is great to be seeing some senior players and stars of the future involved and hopefully the weekend goes well for them all.

Finally, can I take this opportunity to welcome Alex Sanderson, together with his fellow coaches, players, officials and supporters of Sale Sharks to Sandy Park

All the Best Rob

chiefs youngsters wrap up season with victory over midlands west

Exeter Chiefs Under-18s wrapped up their Premiership Rugby Under-18s League season with a 36-19 victory over Midlands West at Finals Day held at the StoneX Stadium.

In what has been a testing campaign for the young Chiefs group, they arguably saved their best till last with an impressive six-try success.

Winger Rhys Williams gave them the perfect start, scoring the first of his try double on ten minutes when he dived over in the left corner.

The Chiefs would add to their tally as the half progressed, No.8 Ben Hobbs grabbing their second before Williams made it 15-0 to put them in the driving seat.

The Midlanders, however, would not go quietly as they reduced the deficit with three tries of their own through Jack Kinder, Billy McDonough and George Knowles.

With little to choose between either side at that stage, it would be the Chiefs who would finish the stronger, adding tries through scrum-half Max Fergusson, prop Josh Mann and a cracker from hooker George Edson.

Team Manager, Marc Dibble, said: “It’s been a tough year at times for the boys, but we saw today that when things click, we can produce some excellent rugby. It was nice for all of us to finish on such a high note.”

PROUDLY SERVING THE TRADES & DIY SINCE 1770.

chiefs give their backing

to rainbow laces campaign

Premiership Rugby and Exeter Chiefs are dedicating Rounds 17 and 18 of Gallagher Premiership Rugby to Stonewall’s Rainbow Laces campaign as part of our mission to improve inclusion, supported by our title partner Gallagher.

As Rainbow Laces celebrates its 10th Anniversary, Premiership Rugby is proud to announce its support for a seventh season. The campaign aims to promote equality and inclusivity within sport for LGBTQ+ people and tackle discrimination on every level to help make sport everyone’s game.

Throughout both Round 17 of Gallagher

Premiership Rugby (17-19 February) and 18 (2426 February), the special “rainbow” Gallagher Premiership Rugby logo will once again be highly visible at matches with players wearing Rainbow Laces in their matches over the weekend. In addition, the match officials will wear specially designed Rainbow Laces shirts and the assistant referees will carry rainbow flags.

As part of Premiership Rugby and Gallagher’s commitment to the Rainbow Laces campaign:

• Match official shirts will carry the special rainbow version of the Gallagher Premiership Rugby logo

• All Gallagher Premiership Rugby players

will be sent Rainbow Laces and invited to wear them in the matches in Rounds 17 and 18

• Branding at matches will carry Rainbow Laces messaging or be turned rainbow to celebrate the weekend. This will include the flags used by assistant referees and this season will see Gallagher update the post pads in support

• Gallagher employees from across the UK will hand out Rainbow Laces to supporters at matches in Rounds 17 and 18

• All Premiership Rugby’s social media accounts will have Rainbow branding, while LEDs pitchside will support the campaign

• Premiership Rugby have partnered with Gilbert to produce a special ball and scrum cap to celebrate Rainbow Laces

All supporters and partners are invited to get involved by purchasing and wearing their Rainbow Laces to show support too and should you wish to buy Rainbow Laces click here

The weekend is part of Premiership Rugby’s long-standing commitment to inclusion within the game which also sees Premiership Rugby working in partnership with International Gay Rugby (IGR) to eliminate homophobia, biphobia and transphobia within the game.

CHIEFS CYCLING CLUB ADD NEW TWIST TO THEIR LATEST EUROPEAN CYCLE CHALLENGE FOR 2023

Exeter Chiefs Cycling Club have added a new twist to their annual European Cycle Challenge for 2023.

Now into its seventh year, the cyclists will be heading for the last game of the regular Gallagher Premiership season at London Irish, rather than taking in one of the club’s Champions Cup fixtures.

The new twist, however, will see cyclists take part in a route of almost 500 miles that goes via Britanny and the Normandy Beaches, taking in a special ‘Battlefield Tour’ before heading back across the English Channel and onto West London for the game on Saturday, May 6 (4pm).

Organisers are now keen to hear from cyclists who wish to take part in the Challenge, which in the past has visited Bordeaux, Castres, La Rochelle, Limerick, Montpellier and Belfast.

“The ride is open to a whole range of riding abilities with the aim to have fun and raise money for the Exeter Chiefs Foundation,” said David Cosford. “It is a social ride and an opportunity to meet new people and take on a new challenge.“

Cyclists and Support Crew keen to take part in the Challenge must note that all of their travel and accommodation must be personally funded. The estimated cost, which includes transport, food, hotels, evening meals and a ticket for the match itself, is approximately £800.

Over the years the Exeter Chiefs Cycling Club have raised over £120,000 for the Exeter Chiefs Foundation charities.

Anyone interested in taking part or finding out more information, please contact David Cosford on 07710 650300 or email david.cosford@ekogea.co.uk

cup final tickets now on sale

Tickets for next month’s Premiership Rugby Cup Final are now available to purchase for Exeter Chiefs supporters.

The Devonians booked their place in the final with a 46-3 victory over Sale Sharks at Sandy Park in the semi-final.

Exeter’s six-try success means they will now face London Irish at the Gtech Community Stadium on Sunday, March 19, kick-off 2pm.

Full price Adult tickets are £15 and children’s tickets at £5, except in the Platinum and Ticket+ areas where all tickets will be £40. There are no junior ticket prices in these areas.

Fans who wish to book their tickets are asked to visit www.london-irish.com

A supporters’ coach will be in operation for the Cup Final at a cost of £40 per person. If you wish to book a place on the coach, please visit the Exeter Chiefs ticket hub.

Meanwhile, Harlequins have confirmed kick-off time changes for their upcoming Big Game 14 fixtures with Exeter Chiefs at Twickenham Stadium on Saturday, March 4.

In what will be a mouth-watering afternoon of action at the home of English rugby, the London club are due to tackle the Chiefs in both the Allianz Premier 15s and Gallagher Premiership.

The revised kick-off times are:

Harlequins Women vs Exeter Chiefs – 14:30 (previously 12:00)

Harlequins Men vs Exeter Chiefs – 17:15 (previously 15:00)

T: GRONDONA, O’BRIEN, TUIMA, WYATT, FROST, FEYI-WABOSO

C: I JENKINS (5)

P: I JENKINS (2)

P:

Chiefs: T Wyatt; I Feyi-Waboso, S O’Brien (F Cordero 57), T Hendrickson (I Whitten 63), R O’Loughlin; I Jenkins, T Cairns (O James 69); D Southworth (J Kenny 60), J Innard (capt, D Frost 50), P Schickerling (J Iosefa-Scott 60); M Williams (J Bailey 50), L Pearson (O Leatherbarrow 64); R Tuima, A Davis, S Grondona.

Yellow Card: Wyatt

Sharks: J Woodward (K Wilkinson 61); B McGuigan, L James, S Hill, E Gourlay (J Bedlow 57); T Curtis, W Cliff (W Wootton 72); T Onasanya (B Carlile 54), T Taylor (H Thompson 26), C Oosthuizen (C Ford 54); R Birch, A Groves (E Murphy 63); W Riley, T Woodman (Y Nkonge 63), S Dugdale (capt).

Yellow Card: Cliff

Referee: H Smales

Attendance: 5,338

MATCH STATS

58% 51% 100 6

42% 49% 149 0

TOP PERFORMERS

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

INNARD 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

C-DICKIE 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 HENDRICKSON WIMBUSH

YEANDLE WILLIAMS D JENKINS GRAY EWERS TSHIUNZA S SIMMONDS FROST HEPBURN I-SCOTT V HEERDEN GRONDONA BECCONSALL KATA HODGE

C-DICKIE WILLIAMS D JENKINS GRAY EWERS TSHIUNZA S SIMMONDS YEANDLE HEPBURN I-SCOTT V HEERDEN GRONDONA BECCONSALL KATA HODGE

YEANDLE WILLIAMS D JENKINS GRAY EWERS

GALLAGHER PREMIERSHIP

PREMIERSHIP RUGBY CLUB

HEINEKEN CHAMPIONS CUP

Loyal supporters of local businesses and communities for over 90 years, we help our clients face the future with greater confidence.

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

CHRIS STOKES

PHYSIOTHERAPIST

TOM EAST

SPORTS REHABILITATOR

MARK TWIGGS

HEAD OF STRENGTH & CONDITIONING

ROB BEDDARD

STRENGTH & CONDITIONING COACH

JOE SATT

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 BAXTER OBE DIRECTOR OF RUGBY

ROB HUNTER FORWARDS COACH

RICKY PELLOW SKILLS COACH

HAYDN THOMAS SENIOR COACH

GARETH STEENSON SENIOR COACH

ALI HEPHER HEAD COACH

OMAR MOUNEIMNE DEFENCE COACH

RUGBYSHORTS

CARE WRITES HIS NAME INTO THE RECORD BOOKS AT HARLEQUINS

Danny Care wrote his name into the record books at Harlequins last Friday as he became the London club’s all-time record appearance holder when he ran out against Gloucester at Kingsholm.

The 36-year-old moved ahead of Mike Brown’s mark of 351 games during his side’s narrow 28-26 Gallagher Premiership defeat. Care, who has won 87 caps for England, joined Harlequins in 2006 from Leeds. Since then, he has helped the club win two Premiership titles, as well as the European Challenge Cup.

“Danny is one of the all-time great Harlequins and it’s a huge achievement for him to break the appearance record for the club,” said head coach Tabai Matson.

“For me, longevity is the true test of the greatest. Many amazing players come and go, but the greats leave a stamp on multiple generations at a club and Danny has clearly done that. It’s a testament to his professionalism in how he prepares and recovers each week that he has remained at the highest level for such a long time.”

RADRADRA HEADING BACK OVER TO FRANCE AT END OF SEASON

Talented Bristol Bears centre Semi Radradra is to leave the Gallagher Premiership club at the end of the season to join French Top 14 side Lyon.

The Fijian international, 30, has to date made 47 appearances for the Bears since arriving from BordeauxBegles in July 2020.

He helped the Bears win the European Challenge Cup soon after joining and was part of the team that finished top of the Premiership in 2020/21.

“Semi is not just a world-class talent, but an outstanding team man,” said Bears head coach Pat Lam. “He has made a significant impact on and off the field, helping and inspiring a lot of people, especially the younger players showing them through his actions what being a true professional is all about.

“These qualities have enabled him to battle back from two serious knee injuries which will allow him to continue to have a positive impact for us in our run-in for the rest of the season. It has been a pleasure to have him at the Bears and we wish him the best for the future.”

RADWAN AGREES NEW CONTRACT WITH FALCONS FOR THREE YEARS_

Newcastle Falcons have been busy laying the foundations for their squad for the 2023/24 season with a number of new deals at Kingston Park.

Winger Adam Radwan (pictured) has penned a new threeyear contract with the Falcons, while fellow speedster Ben Stevenson has signed a two-year deal

“We’ve got a great group of lads, there’s a real drive to push the club forward and we’re committed to achieving things,” said Radwan.

Joining both Radwan and Stevenson next term will be Scottish prop Murray McCallum, who has signed from Edinburgh Rugby on a two-year deal.

The 26-year-old, who can operate either side of the front-row, spent the first part of this season at nowdefunct Worcester Warriors and is in his second spell with Edinburgh.

“I’ll play wherever I’m needed,” he said. “I just want to do what’s best for the team.”

DOWSON DISAPPOINTED RIBBANS IS TO LEAVE SAINTS FOR TOULON

England lock David Ribbans will leave Northampton Saints at the end of the season to join French Top 14 side, RC Toulon.

The 27-year-old has made over 115 appearances for the Gallagher Premiership club since joining from the Stormers in January 2017.

“It’s disappointing to lose a player of his calibre and we were surprised Dave wanted to leave the club at this time,” said Saints DoR Phil Dowson. “You always want to create an environment for players where they can work hard, thrive, win matches and be successful on the international stage. Sometimes, that means players become attractive propositions for other clubs.”

Ribbans added: “This was not an easy decision for me to make. I’m extremely grateful to the club’s supporters for embracing me as they have in my time here - and to the coaches and support staff for everything they have done to improve me as a player.”

SKIVINGTON DELIGHTED AS PROP RAPAVA-RUSKIN PENS NEW DEAL

Gloucester loosehead prop Val Rapava-Ruskin has signed a new contract with the Gallagher Premiership club.

The 30-year-old has made 100 appearances for the Cherry & Whites since joining from Worcester Warriors in the summer of 2017.

“He’s in a rich vein of form,” said head coach George Skivington. “Out set-piece has been a real area of strength this season and Val plays a big part of that.

“His statistics show what he adds to the team.”

The home of domestic rugby

TODAY’S OFFICIALS

REFEREE: LUKE PEARCE

TOUCH JUDGES: CHRISTOPHE RIDLEY

4TH OFFICIAL: JONATHAN HEALY

TMO:

OPPOSITION

premiership rugby all-time RECORD

PLAYED 573

WON 277

DRAWN 23

LOST 273

Founded: 1861 Ground: AJ Bell Stadium Stadium Way Manchester M30 7EY

Capacity: 12,000 Website: www.salesharks.com

Biggest Win: 76-0 v Bristol Bears (1997)

Heaviest Defeat: 5-58 v Wasps (2000)

DIRECTOR OF RUGBY: Alex Sanderson

CAPTAIN: Jono Ross

GROUND: AJ Bell Stadium

SALE SHARKS

Sale Sharks Director of Rugby, Alex Sanderson, has warned his side to prepare for ‘battle’ ahead of their Gallagher Premiership trip to Exeter Chiefs.

In what is a third neeting of the season between the two clubs, the stakes could not be higher as the race for the end-of-season play-offs intensifies by the week.

With the Sharks flying high in second spot, Rob Baxter has challenged his Chiefs side to haul in the Mancunians, who will include former Chiefs Jonny Hill and Tom O’Flaherty in their starting line-up, as well as - for a first time in the Premiership - England fly-half George Ford.

Sanderson knows from past experience that trips to Devon are far from easy and believes this latest match-up will pose arguably one of his side’s toughest tests of the season.

“Exeter what a challenge,” he said. “They are bang on form and with the various people leaving them, it’s a bit of a last dance scenario down there. Those people will no doubt want to leave with good memories.

“We’ve all seen the papers and who is coming and going, so that has kind of elimanated the white noise ciruclating pre-Christmas about all of that and the shackles are off.

“Omar you can see is doing a great job with their defence, they’ve changed their attack, whereby they are a bit more direct and play that multi-phase game which really challenges you. Equally, they are just as tough in defence, I think they are second to only us in terms of dominant collisions.

“Any time you go down there, you expect a physical battle and that’s what we will get. This is a game that will test us more than any other physically, so we have to be up to speed.”

With Sanderson expecting both sides to trade some heavyweight blows, he acknowledges that other elements of the game will be neeed for his side to prosper in the Westcountry.

“There are elements of boxing smart, it can’t a bludgeon fest,” he said. “It will be physical, but other things need to happen in the game as well. For that to happen, though, it comes on the back of winning collisions both sides of the ball.”

As well as a first league start for Ford, team news for the Sharks sees Tom Roebuck and Ryan Mills also return to the back division. With Ford in and Manu Tuilagi suspended, leading points-scorer Rob du Preez moves into the centre alongside Mills.

The two other changes both come in the Sale front-row where internationals Bevan Rodd, released by England earlier this week, packs down alongside Ewan Ashman and fellow returnee, Coenie Oostehuizen.

Elsewhere, the experienced Jono Ross skippers the visitors from the back-row, while on the bench Sanderson has plenty of experience to call upon in the likes of Tommy Taylor, Simon McIntyre, Josh Beaumont, Raffi Quirke and Sam James.

TRY TIMINGS

LINE-OUT/SCRUM STATS LAST FOUR MEETINGS

Premiership Rugby Cup (Sandy Park, 12/2/23) EXETER 46 / SHARKS 3

Gallagher Premiership (AJ Bell Stadium, 1/10/22) SHARKS 28 / EXETER 20

Gallagher Premiership (Sandy Park, 6/3/22) EXETER 19 / SHARKS 12

Gallagher Premiership (AJ Bell Stadium, 3/10/21) SHARKS 15 / EXETER 25

THE FORM GUIDE

DANGERMAN

TOM O’FLAHERTY

Exeter Chiefs fans will need no introduction to the Sale Sharks winger, who made the switch from Sandy Park to the AJ Bell Stadium ahead of the current campaign.

A popular figure during his five-year stay in Devon, O’Flaherty not only helped the Chiefs to Gallagher Premiership glory in 2020, but was also part of the squad that lifted the Heineken Champions Cup the same season.

After joining the Chiefs in 2017 from the Ospreys, the Londonborn back made 96 appearances for the club, scoring 35 tries in the process.

O’Flaherty grew up in the nation’s capital and played his rugby for Dulwich College and then Blackheath before moving to Wales to study at Cardiff University.

He initially joined Cardiff RFC in 2013, playing four times and scoring four tries, before moving to Bridgend ahead of the 2014-15 season.

He also spent time in France, combining a university placement with playing at Montpellier’s Academy, but returned to Wales for the final year of his studies, taking up dual-registered terms with Bridgend and the Ospreys. It was whilst in Wales that Rob Baxter spotted the emerging talents of O’Flaherty and quickly brought him to Devon where he flourished.

On leaving the Chiefs, he said: “Leaving was tough, probably the toughest decision I’ve had to make. I’ve been fortunate to be part of a hugely successful club who each year are challenging for honours. Winning the double was the highlight.”

NIGEL WALROND

The excitement is growing at Sandy Park as the business end of the season fast approaches.

The Chiefs have a Premiership Rugby Cup final against London Irish to look forward to; a home round of 16 match with Montpellier in the Heineken Champions Cup; and they are still very much in the hunt for a top-four finish in the Premiership and a place in the semi-finals, especially if they can beat second-place Sale Sharks today,

And Exeter’s ladies’ team is sitting at the top of the Allianz Premier 15s.

Not bad for a club that, if you read some of the doom and gloom posts on social media in recent weeks, you would think was having a dreadful season!

I’ve read calls for the coaching staff to be changed, demands for a change of playing style, and a general negative feeling about anything Chiefs spouted from some quarters.

Much of the doom and gloom has been caused by what has felt like a never-ending stream of news about players leaving the club at the end of the season.

And I am as gutted as anyone that people like Dave Ewers, Sam Simmonds, Luke Cowan-Dickie, Jannes Kirsten - and some of the other names who have been linked with moves away that have not been confirmed yet – are moving on come the end of the campaign.

I have followed every inch of their journeys at the Chiefs from the commentary box, and it will feel very strange when their names do not appear on the teamsheet in 2023-24.

I have also listened to the Chiefs’ coaches in recent weeks and months talk about how excited they are about the future, and the players that they have coming through.

At times it has felt like a bit of good PR to soften the blow of big-name departures.

The problem is that we have been denied seeing some of these young stars, that they witness on a daily basis at training, in action because of the lack of an A League, so many supporters are very much in the dark about the next crop of Cowan-Dickies, Slades and Nowells coming through.

But my excitement over the Chiefs’ future is growing day by day, having watched the likes of Dafydd Jenkins, Greg Fisilau and Christ Tshiunza in both club and international action in the past few weeks and months.

And then came that superb Premiership Rugby Cup semi-final win over Sale Sharks, when even more names came to the fore. Players like Tom Wyatt and Immanuel Feyi-Waboso to name just two.

Two more bright, young talents, Richard Capstick and Will Becconsall, are currently injured.

And then you can add in the fact that director of rugby Rob Baxter has not announced any new signings for next season yet.

No-one likes change, but change can be a good thing, and anyone who has watched Chiefs on a regular basis since their wonderful EuropeanPremiership double in 2020 will know that at times things have looked like they have needed a bit of a freshen up.

I can’t wait for what the next three months might bring – and I sincerely hope that all these players who are departing are given the glorious on-thepitch send-off they so deserve.

GALLAGHER PREMIERSHIP ROUND

17 REVIEW

BATH 10

T: Bayliss

C: Spencer; P: Spencer

LONDON IRISH 25

T: Jackson, White, Janse van Rensburg

C: Jackson (2); P: Jackson (2)

GLOUCESTER 28

T: Blake, Thorley, Carreras, Rees-Zammit; C: Carreras (4)

HARLEQUINS 26

T: Lawday, Murley, Riley, Jurevicius; C: Allan (3)

NORTHAMPTON SAINTS 38

T: James, Freeman, Proctor, Braley, Dingwall, Penalty; C: Smith (2), Hutchinson

SALE SHARKS 34

T: Reed, T Curry, R du Preez, Ashman, Dugdale

C: R du Preez (3); P: R du Preez

BRISTOL BEARS 30

T: Randall (2), Vui, Harding

C: Williams (2); P: Williams (2)

NEWCASTLE FALCONS 12

T: Graham, Blamire C: Connon

LEICESTER TIGERS 24

T: Pollard, Henderson, Brown; C: Pollard (3); P: Pollard

SARACENS 18

T: Mawi, Lewington; C: Goode; P: Goode (2)

TOP POINTS SCORERS

TOP TRY SCORERS

TOP METRES MADE

TOP CARRIES MADE

GALLAGHER PREMIERSHIP ROUND 18 FIXTURES

TOP TACKLES MADE

KEY CLUB PARTNERS

KEY CLUB SPONSORS

OFFICIAL SUPPLIERS

nowell wants this season to go down in history

CORNISHMAN TARGETS SUCCESS ON ALL FRONTS

If this is to be a last season at Sandy Park for Jack Nowell, then the Cornishman is hellbent on ensuring it will be one to remember, not just for him, but for his teammates and Exeter Chiefs supporters alike.

Since walking through the doors at Sandy Park, the 29-year-old has always had something about him. Initially the scrawny youngster had a rats-tail dangling from the back of his flowing locks, these days his peroxide-blonde hairline is supplemented with a colourful array of tattoos across all parts of his well-honed physique.

On the field, he is equally not what you expect of the traditional winger. Never afraid to go searching for work, he will happily canter in off his week to blast a ruck or take the ball and challenge the opposition with his powerful leg drive and stylish side-stepping antics.

He is - and will always be - a Chiefs legend. Part of a golden generation, which includes the likes of Dave Ewers, Henry Slade and childhood mate, Luke Cowan-Dickie - they have all combined to not only carve our success at the highest level in their own rights, but also for the Chiefs as well.

Winning a historic double in 2020 will no doubt be a highlight for all of them, as will Nowell’s own selection for the British & Irish Lions in 2017 and the numerous Test caps he has now accrued for England over the years.

However, should this be the ‘Last Dance’ for the the man who only took up rugby so that he could fleece his old man of a few pound coins each Sunday morning, this current campaign is one that he wants to ensure is right up there in terms of magic moments.

“There is going to be a lot of boys leaving at the end of the season,” he said. “Lots of them have been here a long time and together we’ve enjoyed some unbelievable moments, on and off the field. Because of that, I think everyone wants to ensure that this season is one that we will all remember.

“Right now, we’re in a good place on all fronts. We’re in a Cup final, we’re going well in European and the quest now is to get in that top four and, hopefully, into those latter stages of the Premiership.”

And for that Premiership quest to be achieved, it will be games like that of today that will

go a long way to deciding if the Chiefs will be returning to Twickenham come May for the end of season showpiece.

Standing in their way will be a Sale Sharks outfit who, along with leaders Saracens, have this season set the pace at the front end of the Premiership.

“I think whenever you come up against Sale, you always know you’re going to be in for one hell of a physical battle,” said Nowell, who earlier this week became a dad for the third time. “They are a very good side with a number of top quality players, a few of whom we know well from their days down here at the Chiefs.

“For us, though, we have to focus mainly on ourselves. We know that if we get things right our end, then we’re a tough side to beat. Playing at home always gives you that advantage and other than Saracens, who beat us with the last kick of the game, we haven’t lost here this season.

“That was one of our goals at the start of the season, as a squad we said we wanted to get back to making Sandy Park a fortress again. I think we’ve done that, but we need to keep it going because this is the business end of the season and where the results really matter.”

And a big performance from Nowell this afternoon will also serve as a timely reminder to England head coach Steve Borthwick that he’s not given up his hopes of playing in a third Rugby World Cup later this year.

Certainly, Chiefs Director of Rugby, Rob Baxter, is backing his man, adding: “I can quite easily see him demanding his way back into the squad. The key for us as coaches is we can create a platform for guys to have that opportunity.”

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.”

Thank you to our Match Ball Sponsors

WOMEN’S FIXTURES, RESULTS & STATS

LIVE FOR MATCH DAY

ROBERTS MOLONEY GRIMES FRYDAY WILLETT JEFFERIES LEITCH

ROBERTS MOLONEY HANLON FRYDAY WILLETT JEFFERIES LEITCH

MIDDLEBROOKE MOLONEY HANLON FRYDAY LEITCH JEFFERIES McMAHON

MIDDLEBROOKE MOLONEY HANLON FRYDAY LEITCH JEFFERIES McMAHON

MIDDLEBROOKE NIELSON HANLON FRYDAY LEITCH JEFFERIES ALLEN

MUZAMBE NIELSON HANLON FRYDAY FLEMING JEFFERIES LEITCH

LANGFORD PREECE

PREECE DOIDGE

NIELSON ROBERTS GRIMES ORCHARD V-D VELDEN BRADLEY DERERA GOWER

GOWER WALKER

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

TURANI NIELSON MENIN LEITCH LEONARD JEFFERIES JOHNSON ZACKARY MOLONEY ROGERS JACOBY FLEMING McMAHON BRADLEY McGOVERNE CRAMER

ROGERS TUTTOSI MENIN FRYDAY LEITCH JEFFERIES ALLEN JOHNSON MOLONEY TURANI JACOBY LEONARD McMAHON BRADLEY McGILLIVRAY CRAMER

T: FARRIES

Warriors: C McNaney (A Kershaw 65); P Farries, C Cox, H Bluck (V Foxwell 62), V Laflin; M Yamamoto, C Mattinson (co-capt, F Lewis 65); C Tremelling (C Wells 68), L Skeldon (co-capt), F Long (J Scoble 68); A Buckland-Hurry, E Shermer; C Brincat, C Wright-Haley (S Evans 52-62, T Bricknell 65), S Harries. Replacement (not used): J Brown

Yellow Cards: Skeldon, Harries

T: ROGERS (2), JEFERIES, MACDONALD (3), ALLEN, MOLONEY

C: McGOVERNE (6), CANTORNA

P: CANTORNA

Chiefs: M Doidge; E Sinclair (L Cramer 64), K Zackary, G Cantorna, C MacDonald; L McGoverne, F Robinson (B Bradley 64); H Rogers (S Turani 54), E Tuttosi (C Moloney 28), D Menin (C Jacoby 54); N Fryday (M Leonard 65), P Leitch (capt), E Jefferies (E McMahon 50), M Allen (N McGillivray 54), R Johnson.

Yellow Card: Moloney

Referee: H Walbaum

Attendance: 800

MATCH STATS

45% 43% 183 1

55% 57% 115 8

MANAGEMENT EXETER CHIEFS WOMEN

MAIN SPONSOR KEY CLUB PARTNERS

SUSIE APPLEBY HEAD COACH

STEVE SALVIN ASSISTANT COACH

PROUD PARTNERS OF

bristolstreet.co.uk

Renault Exeter 14a Marsh Barton Rd, Marsh Barton, Exeter EX2 8NT

Hyundai Exeter Unit 15, Trusham Rd, Marsh Barton, Exeter EX2 8QQ

Dacia Exeter 14a Marsh Barton Rd, Marsh Barton, Exeter EX2 8NT

Bristol Street Motors Van Centre Exeter Unit 15, Trusham Rd, Marsh Barton, Exeter EX2 8QQ

Exeter Van Centre

charity benefit from input by chiefs

Exeter Chiefs Community department are continuing to help transform the lives of youngsters from across the region with their adaptive rugby sessions.

Among those benefitting from the team’s efforts are the Exeter-based charity InFocus, who provide specialist services for young children with vision impairment and complex needs.

Working with InFocus, the Chiefs team have been able to provide a range of activities, working around throwing and catching, as well as accuracy of throwing at targets.

The InFocus youngsters have also progressed impressively on their tagging games - with the standard and competitiveness rising by the week.

Coach Milla Lynch, who has been helping with the delivery, said: “The progress of the students has been extremely inspirational. Coaching students

with different educational requirements presents a wide range of challenges, but the students have made it so fulfilling and have taught me so much in return.

“The opportunity to work with them is one I am truly grateful for and one of the highlights of my week.”

Each year InFocus, who are based on Topsham Road, provide hours of education, interventions to support vision impairment, mobility and habilitation training, as well as dedicated nursing and healthcare.

To find out more about the charity, please visit: www.infocus-charity.org.uk

TICKET INFORMATION

newcastle falcons

SATURDAY 11 MARCH

KICK OFF: 2:30PM

SANDY PARK

SALE SHARKS WOMEN

SUNDAY 12 MARCH

KICK OFF: 1PM

SANDY PARK

WEST CENTRE

WEST wings

south stand centre

south stand wings

east terrace centre

east terrace wings

north terrace centre

north terrace wings

east stand upper wings

east stand upper centre

TICKETHUB.EXETERCHIEFS.CO.UK