Director of Rugby/ Head Coach: Rob Baxter
Captain: Jack Yeandle
Stadium: Sandy Park (Capacity: 12,600)
Last Season: Runners-Up
Prediction: 3rd
Exeter Chiefs stunned everyone as they made the Premiership play-offs for the first time and went on to lose to Saracens in the final.
Baxter is known for his developing of young talent and with the likes of Jack Nowell, Henry Slade and Luke Cowan-Dickie finally gaining international recognition his plan seems to be working as he strengthens the squad with overseas talent.
Jack Nowell scoring for Exeter.
Exeter were happy to play expansive, attacking rugby by using their triumvirate of playmakers in the midfield all offering different styles. Gareth Steenson very much the measured controller, Slade the speedy creator and Ian Whitten the explosive link-man.
With the three outlets they can recycle ball quickly to set up two or three waves of attack one after the other sucking in defenders along with sending their big forwards ball carriers into the holes.
THREE TO WATCH
Luke Cowan-Dickie
Position: Hooker Nationality: English Age: 23 Height: 1.84m Weight: 112kg
The young hooker has been pushing for an England place for a while and last season got a run in the team.
His work in the loose and effective carrying make him a valuable asset. He will overtake Yeandle as first choice if he can continue to produce the rugby that made him an international.
Jack Nowell
Position: Wing Nationality: English Age: 23 Height: 1.77m Weight: 97kg
Nowell’s defensive ability make him a useful winger to have in the side, he covers kicks well and also has the ability to beat defenders one-on-one despite not being the quickest of wingers.
A determined competitor and a man that will make his mark on the season without a doubt, expect to see him challenge for a Lions spot.
Henry Slade
Position: Centre Nationality: English Age: 23 Height: 1.88m Weight: 92kg
The playmaker will provide pace and bravery in equal measure and with his ability to play 10,12 or 13 he is versatility personified.
Henry Slade is versatile player
Arguably the most naturally gifted back in the league. He is determined to play for his country watch him challenge Owen Farrell and George Ford to break into the team. Exciting times ahead for the 23 year old.
TRANSFERS
IN (4)
Dave Dennis (NSW Waratahs, AUS)
Ollie Devoto (Bath Rugby, ENG)
Greg Holmes (Queensland Reds, AUS)
Lachlan Turner (RC Toulon, FRA)
OUT (8)
Chrysander Botha (Welwitchias,NAM)
Alex Brown (USA Perpignan, FRA)
Adam Hughes, (Dragons, WAL)
Josh Jones (Salford Red Devils (rugby league), ENG)
Bryon McGuigan (Sale Sharks, ENG)
Jerry Sexton (London Irish, ENG)
Lewis Stevenson (Connacht, IRE)
Brett Sturgess (Ampthill, ENG)
Lachie Turner is an impressive coup the former Australia international is a real talent, Ollie Devoto adds to a plethora of playmaking options in the already saturated Exeter midfield.
Turner scoring for Australia.
None of the departures will be too much for Exeter. More of a cutting of the deadwood than any major moves away.
My Exeter Chiefs 23
15 Lachlan Turner 14 Jack Nowell 13 Henry Slade 12 Ian Whitten 11 James Short 10 Gareth Steenson (Captain) 9 Will Chudley
1 Alec Hepburn 2 Luke Cowan-Dickie 3 Tomas Francis 4 Damian Welch 5 Geoff Parling 6 Don Armand 7 Julian Salvi 8 Thomas Waldrom
16 Jack Yeandle 17 Ben Moon 18 Carl Rimmer 19 Ollie Atkins 20 Dave Ewers 21 Dave Lewis 22 Sam Hill 23 Olly Woodburn
Exeter should comfortably qualify for the play-offs again and don’t expect them to lie down in Europe either.
