Press Releases

Exeter Chiefs Confirm Capture of All Black Second-Row

Exeter Chiefs will confirm the signing of New Zealand second-row Sam Whitelock in the next hour or so, according to BBC Devon.
Having completed a season as captain for the Crusaders, the 93-times capped All Black is set to join the Exeter Chiefs, following the conclusion of the Autumn Internationals.
Director of Rugby at Chiefs Fluxy said "to announce the signings of Sam (Whitelock) really sends out a message not only to our rivals, but to our fans; we are looking to build on last seasons success and push the Chiefs to the next level. To have added to our squad in such a way proves that we mean business, and this is the sort of world-class player we are looking to bring into our squad."

Bath take spoils in warm up at Flyde

Flyde 5 Bath 48

Bath ran the trys in for fun against Flyde, with England players left out ahead of Englands game against Argentina.

1.Beno Obana
2.Jack Walker (C)
3.Jack Edmondson
4.Dave Attwood
5.Elliott Stooke
6.James Phillips
7.Tom Ellis
8.Zac Mercer

9.Will Homer
10.Freddie Burns
11.Aled Brew
12.Matt Banahan
13.Max Clark
14.Jeff Williams
15.Rory Jennings.

Chiefs star in Italian Job

Sam Simmonds enjoyed a dream debut in the NatWest Six Nations Championship as he scored twice as England defeated Italy 46-15 at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome.

In a stunning display from the Exeter Chiefs forward, who was making only his fourth international appearance, the No.8 claimed a second half double as Eddie Jones’ side ran in seven tries against the Azzurri. Simmonds was instrumental in a decent start from the Red Rose country, who are chasing a third successive Six Nations crown under the guidance of Jones.

The 23-year-old also topped the charts with 23 tackles, 14 carries, 80 metres made and three clean breaks. However, it was team-mate Anthony Watson, who also claimed two tries on the day that surprisingly picked up the man of the match award.

Not that Simmonds was the only Exeter Chiefs star to prove his worth in the Italian capital. Winger Jack Nowell got in on the scoring act, while props Harry Williams and Alec Hepburn also impressed off the bench.

It was Hepburn’s first cap for England and he did not disappoint, coming on as a second half replacement for the experienced Mako Vunipola.

Simmonds ended the match as the fans’ man of the match, with two tries, six gainline breaks and 23 tackles and Jones believes he is a great addition to the squad.

Exeter Chiefs DoR, Tips Hat to Wasps

Exeter Chiefs DoR Fluxy, spoke with BBC Radio Devon ahead of their titanic clash against Wasps this Saturday. Pullthestrings' side is one of the form teams of the Premiership currently and Fluxy is duly wary of the threat they pose to his team.

“They are a hugely threatening team,” continued Fluxy. “We’ve had some fantastic games against them in recent times and none of them have ever been a boring contest. Right now, it’s a big challenge for us. They are one of the form teams in the league and we have to make sure we get to the level we need to be at to challenge them.
“Going away to Wasps, a fellow top-four contender, was a huge occasion and one that we wanted to fight for. It was be tough, but you expect that. We threw everything at them and they held on for the victory."

“We’re heading into a period of games which, you could effectively say, are eight-pointers. Not only can we try and collect points that will help us, but at the same time, you can deny a rival around you getting something at the same time. If we get them this weekend, then that will be a huge advantage to us moving forward."

“Us collecting points now can have a huge effect come to the end of the season, so it will be an extra motivating factor for us heading into the game. What we have to do, however, is make sure we use that motivation in the right manner.”