Chiefs Team News

With a first victory in the Gallagher Premiership rounding out 2024 for Exeter Chiefs, they launch into 2025 action with a trip to Mattioli Woods Welford Road to take on Leicester Tigers in Round 10.

A 22-15 result against Gloucester in front of a sold-out Sandy Park last weekend enabled Rob Baxter’s men to move off bottom of the table while Leicester Tigers drew 34-34 with Harlequins in a ‘Big Game’ clash at Twickenham Stadium.

There are just two changes made to the Exeter starting line-up after an energetic and physical performance secured them a result over the Cherry and Whites.

Scott Sio, Dan Frost – following a man of the match display last round – and Marcus Street form the front row for another week.

Following an impressive display off the bench last weekend, Franco Molina earns a start alongside captain Dafydd Jenkins in the second row. While the barnstorming back row remains intact – Ethan Roots and Jacques Vermeulen on the flanks with Greg Fisilau at number eight.

Stu Townsend and Henry Slade run the show from scrum half and fly half. Ben Hammersley moves out to the wing to cover for an injury to Olly Woodburn, leaving space for Zack Wimbush to join the starters – he pairs Tamati Tua in the centres.

Josh Hodge and Tommy Wyatt bring pace and power to complete the back three.

Director of Rugby Rob Baxter says while the result against Gloucester was a positive for his team’s season, they are aware of the threat Leicester can pose at home.

“Last weekend’s result was very important for a whole host of reasons. Obviously, it created a feel-good factor around the club on a day when we got our biggest crowd of the season, and it also gave a little vindication that we are a good Premiership side and a result like that was coming.

“The goal now is just to try to win as many games of rugby as possible. We’re not going to make it complicated for ourselves, so we’re setting some pretty simple aims week-by-week based around the opportunities there are to play and things we can take from the training field into games.

“Leicester are having a good season – they’re very competitive in every game they play. Notably, they came to Sandy Park in Round One and beat us which kicked off their season. So, we understand they’re strong around the set piece and they control territory and possession very well.

“Welford Road is a tough place to play. We’re going to have to play well but my aim is for us to do that and to be competitive for the full 80 minutes – we’ll find out what we can get out of the game that way.”

The replacement options for the pack are strong with Jack Innard, Will Goodrick-Clarke, Josh Iosefa-Scott, Rusi Tuima and Richard Capstick.

For the backs, Will Rigg returns to the matchday squad alongside Tom Cairns and Will Haydon-Wood.

Exeter Chiefs:

15 Josh Hodge

14 Ben Hammersley

13 Zack Wimbush

12 Tamati Tua

11 Tommy Wyatt

10 Henry Slade

9 Stu Townsend

1 Scott Sio

2 Dan Frost

3 Marcus Street

4 Dafydd Jenkins (c)

5 Franco Molina

6 Ethan Roots

7 Jacques Vermeulen

8 Greg Fisilau

Replacements:

16 Jack Innard

17 Will Goodrick-Clarke

18 Josh Iosefa-Scott

19 Rusi Tuima

20 Richard Capstick

21 Tom Cairns

22 Will Haydon-Wood

23 Will Rigg