Hayes returns to the Chiefs in coaching role

Former Exeter Chiefs captain Tom Hayes is back at Sandy Park after re-joining the club in a new coaching role.

The popular Irishman is back on Devon soil for the first time in eight years, taking on the post of Assistant Coach to the Exeter Chiefs Women’s team.

Working alongside Head Coach, Susie Appleby, the 41-year-old will be looking to build on the solid foundations created last season by the newly-formed Chiefs Women, who finished their inaugural season in the Allianz Premier 15s in sixth place.

During a distinguished playing career with the Chiefs, Hayes – who joined the club in 2008, amassed 136 appearances for the club – was the man who skippered the team out of the Championship and into the Premiership for the first time in 2010.

His appointment this week is seen as a major boost to the Chiefs Women and Appleby, who has heralded the addition of Hayes to her team as ‘massive’.