Sports Team reporter Emmott Leigh was at Sandy Park yesterday to see Exeter Chiefs clinch a less than convincing victory against Welsh side Ospreys.
A poor display of technical ability and discipline was not enough to prevent the Chiefs from recording a second victory over Welsh opposition in as many weeks, clinching a 36-22 win in a high-scoring LV= Cup match.
As Chairman Tony Rowe said, Exeter were revelling in the glory of their previous ‘excellent and hard-fought victory’ over the Cardiff Blues in the Heineken Cup, where even the likes of Leigh Halfpenny and Alex Cuthbert were unable to stop them from achieving a 13-19 upset.
However, they were still equally guilty as Ospreys for the woeful series of knock-ons and ill-adjudged kicks which accompanied the start of this match. Beginning with the very first kick (an Ospreys slice which ballooned straight into touch), neither side were able to launch a sustained assault on the other as the penalties mounted. The first side to break through the barrier was in fact Ospreys, when Dafydd Howells capitalised on the yardage gained from a driving maul to ease over the line.
After the sloppy conversion attempt missed by several feet, the Exeter side found another gear and set up their own drive for Cowan-Dickie to ground the ball from the back of the pack, although there was a possible case for obstruction as the backs cut through the opposing line.
No matter; such controversy was instantly forgotten when the Chiefs decided to hand a try back to the grateful Welshmen in comical fashion. An inconsequential grubber kick was hopelessly misjudged and snatched by the grateful Morgen Allen to score.
Following a routine penalty in the Chiefs’ favour, the half-time whistle was blown and Exeter were trailing 8-10. They had been more dominant in the scrum, and marginally better towards the end of the half with their hands despite the selection of some inexperienced academy players, but guilty of small errors when it counted most.
Perhaps it was not surprising then that the home portion of the 8,760 fans filling the stadium roared as one in encouragement of their promising side as the second forty minutes began. They were soon rewarded as a brace of converted tries sent the scoreboard rattling along to 22-10, James Scaybrook charging through a trio of defenders to barge over and Cowan-Dickie grabbing a second.
Surprisingly, their efforts were immediately equalled by the rallying Ospreys, who secured one dazzlingly eloquent sequence of offloads to score through Jenkins before Grabham burrowed over as well.
At this point, the Welsh side seemed to tire. As they saw less and less possession, the Chiefs grew more and more confident and James Phillips soon restored their lead with a try. By the time flanker Don Armand had shuffled over the tryline, the result was beyond doubt.
Another victory for a weakened Chiefs team leaves them in contention to progress to the semi-finals. However, even if it might be ‘fantastic’ for Rowe to see Tom Johnson and Jack Nowell in the England squad, you feel that they were missed.
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Welsh international Craig Mitchell is to leave Exeter Chiefs at the end of the season to take up a contract with Rabo Pro 12 side Cardiff Blues.
The 27-year-old prop will move to the Arms Park on a three-year deal, bringing to an end a similar spell with the Devon club.
Signed by head coach Rob Baxter during the summer of 2011 from the Ospreys, Mitchell enjoyed a promising first season in Devon as he helped the club secure a fifth place finish in the Aviva Premiership.
Sadly the last two years at Sandy Park have not gone quite as smoothly for the talented tight-head as a string of long-term injuries have meant he has spent some frustrating spells on the sidelines.
“It has been quite difficult over the last two seasons,” said Mitchell, who to date has made 35 appearances and scored one try in Exeter colours. “The first year I came in I played a big role within the team and I really enjoyed it.
“After that first season Rob offered me another contract and I was really looking forward to pushing on, but since then I’ve been hit with a few injuries that have put me out long term.
“I won’t lie, it’s been really frustrating and at times I’ve been in some pretty low places. That said, I’ve got to give credit to the physios and the conditioning staff at the club, they’ve helped to pull me through and get me back to fitness again.
“In an ideal world I’d love to have played more, simply because the Chiefs are a great club. When I arrived a few years ago it was a new challenge for me and I wanted to test myself in the Premiership because everyone knows how tough a division it is.
“It’s not quite worked out how I would have wanted because of the injuries, but at the same time I genuinely don’t have a bad word to say about the place. From the ladies in the front office to all the coaches, everyone at the club is so down to earth and working hard for the same goals.
“Over the next few years I’ve no doubt that the Chiefs will be competing at the top end of the table. You only have to look at the signings they are making to see that they’ll be a force. “
Mitchell added: “At the same time I’ve been offered a great opportunity with the Blues and it’s one that I am looking forward to. Anyone who was at the game at the weekend would have seen two very exciting teams and two teams who want to achieve things.
“For me it’s a chance to go home and try and kick-start my career again. One of my aims is obviously to try and get back into the Wales squad, but the boys who have come in have done well so it’s going to be tough. I know I will have to work hard to try and do that, but I am willing to put myself through the pain barrier to get back in.”
Mitchell’s departure means the Chiefs have now lost two of their current tight-head options with Hoani Tui also exiting at the end of the season to join French side Lyon.
Coach Baxter said: “Obviously we’re sad to see Mitch move on because he has been a good and popular member of the squad for a few years now.
“He had a very good first year with us, one in which he showed not just to us but also himself what a very good rugby player he is. Sadly the last two years he’s been unfortunate with one or two long-term injuries and that has meant he has not been able to get the game time we would have liked from him.
“That said, he’s fit and raring to go again now and we hope he will play a big part between now and the end of the season. There is still a lot of rugby to be played this season and we hope to see the best of him between now and then.
“As always he’ll go with our best wishes and we hope he continues to make a name for himself with the Blues and Wales.”
Exeter Chiefs
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Waldrom in action for Leicester Tigers. Photo: zimbio.com
Exeter Chiefs head coach Rob Baxter has spoken of his delight after it was confirmed England international Thomas Waldrom will be joining the club next season.
The 30-year-old forward has put pen to paper on a three-year deal and joins the Chiefs from reigning Aviva Premiership champions Leicester Tigers.
Waldrom is Baxter’s first confirmed new arrival for the 2014/15 season, although the Chiefs head coach has admitted others may soon be following the back-row ace to Sandy Park in the coming weeks ahead.
“Obviously we’re delighted to have signed Thomas on a three-year contract,” said Baxter. “All the time we say we’re looking to enhance and improve the squad and bringing in someone of his calibre and experience certainly does that.
“Thomas, we know, is not only a top quality international player, but he’s vastly experienced and he joins us from what is a very good Leicester Tigers team. Where he plays on the field is a key position in any side, but add into that his versatility and his skill-set and it makes him a very good signing for us.”
As always Baxter has carried out a thorough and detailed check on Waldrom and he admits he likes what he sees from his new recruit.
“We’ve had a good look at him and done some pretty detailed analysis on him,” said the Chiefs coach. “What we’ve seen is that he’s not only a very good rugby player, but he’s playing well and he is someone I know will add real top end quality to the squad.
“As we look to move forward as a club, I think it’s vital that we have players like him coming into the squad. Although he has been around for what seems a very long time, he’s still only 30 and we feel his best years are probably still to come.
“If you look at sides who tend to compete at the top end of tables and in the latter stages of competitions, they normally have a good amount of players in that kind of age range. As I said, we feel he ticks a lot of boxes for us in a lot of different areas and having him join and work with what we feel is a young squad moving forward is just fantastic.”
Baxter continued: “Talking to him he’s genuinely excited about coming here and doing well. He can see that we are an ambitious club, on and off the field, and he wants to be part of that process.
“I’ve no doubt that he will thrive in our environment and that he can play a big role for us over the next few years.”
With Waldrom signed and sealed, plus a large majority of the current Chiefs squad also on board for the foreseeable future, Baxter says the make-up of his team for next season is taking shape nicely.
“We’re looking pretty good at the moment,” he added. “Obviously we’ve just signed Thomas; we’ve managed to get quite a few of the current guys signed up on new deals recently; and we’ve got one or two others in the pipeline that are very close to be sorted.
“Each year we say we’ll look to improve the squad and that’s no different again this year. I’m more than happy with the way things are moving along for next season because I think we’re putting together what will be another very strong and competitive group of players.
“Of course there will be guys who come in and others who go, but often the key part of things like this is keeping hold of your core group. We’re doing that right now and that we’ll put us in a great position to keep moving forward.”
Exeter Chiefs
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Tries for Maitland and Lamont ensured that the large home support for the Chiefs were left thoroughly disappointed after another insipid performance resulted in a 15-10 defeat to Glasgow Warriors.
Though the Chiefs came into the game knowing that there was little that could be taken out of the Heineken Cup for them, they seemed to lack the fighting qualities that had delivered them success early in the season. This meant that Glasgow largely got away with playing some mediocre rugby themselves, and this win gives them an outside chance of qualifying for the Amlin.
On a relatively mild January afternoon, the game began brightly for the Chiefs. Uni boy Henry Sade got some early points on the board with a well-taken penalty, and the Chiefs forwards were dominant in the breakdown. Slade also impressed in defence, providing a good clearance to spoil what could have been an early chance for Glasgow.
In what would become a feature of the match, the Chiefs’ front row of Rimmer, Cowan-Dickie and Brown had the better of their more celebrated Glasgow counterparts. The early dominance of the home team was rewarded in the sixteenth minute through a Vainikolo try, as the Tongan winger bundled his way around the edge of the breakdown for a well-worked finish. Slade added a further two points, giving Exeter a 10-0 lead.
However, it was not to last, and these would be the last points of the game for Exeter. Slade’s next kick off was a poor one, gifting Glasgow the possession, and with the help of some poor Chiefs’ defence, a good try for winger Maitland. Exeter were not helped by the fact that an overlap had been created whilst two of their players received treatment, but they missed several tackles on a pacey Glasgow backline. Nevertheless, Maitland took his chance well, showing his international class as a finisher. Though Hogg failed to convert, this was the launchpad for Glasgow’s fight back.
Thereafter followed a period of scrappy play from both sides, with good breaks from both Chiefs and Glasgow backs, but poor handling ensuring that neither team could get any momentum. However, Glasgow looked the better side, and were rewarded in the thirty-fifth minute with a try for Scottish international Sean Lamont. It came after a good period of build up play – with Hogg and Lamont linking well – and was finished well in the corner by the winger. This time Hogg’s goal-kicking radar was on target, ensuring that the away team entered half time with a two point lead.
The second half of the match should have been an exciting climax to a close fought game, but it did not deliver. Exeter were scrappy from the start, gifting Hogg a penalty ten minutes in. He took his chance well, giving Glasgow a five point buffer they would retain for the rest of the match.
By this stage the home crowd were beginning to realise that their team were not on top form. Error after error ensured that each rendition of the ‘Tomahawk Chop’ – normally such an atmospheric chant – became less and less convincing, and was eventually replaced by the grumbling of frustrated supporters.
Exeter’s poor handling meant that they simply could not get together the phases required for a meaningful attack. Indeed the only part of their game that was on form was their scrummaging, in which they maintained dominance over Glasgow throughout the game.
In the eightieth minute, it looked as if a last ditch winner for Exeter might have been on the cards. Despite Glasgow turning over a line-out deep in their twenty-two, replacement scrum half Nikola Matawalu – needing only to tap the ball into touch to seal the victory – inexplicably skied his kick, giving possession back to Exeter. However, in a fitting end to a scrappy game, a knock on fluffed Exeter’s chance.
The Chiefs should now forget their Cup dreams and concentrate on correcting their recent poor form in the Premiership. If they continue to perform at home like they did on Saturday, they could have a tricky few months ahead.
Ben Pullan, Sports Team
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Jonny Wilkinson has given Exeter Chiefs a ringing endorsement as a growing force not only within the English game, but also that of Europe after he tackled the Devon club for the first time at Sandy Park on Saturday.
The Toulon skipper landed a penalty and drop-goal in his side’s narrow 14-9 Heineken Cup victory – a result which lifted the French superstars back to the summit of Pool Two.
However, the World Cup winner was quick to praise the resistance put up by the Chiefs, who head to the South of France this coming weekend for the return fixture at the Stade Felix Mayol.
“It was a tough game, but we expected that,” said the 34-year-old playmaker. “It’s fabulous to see the way they [Exeter] are playing the game and the strength that they are able to compete and beat so many teams.
“I think last year a lot of people mentioned when they played Clermont what a battle they put up, but it’s no longer about that for them. These guys are beating teams day in, day out and playing great rugby in doing that. It’s a magic thing for English rugby and an example for people to follow. What they are showing for 1 to 15, they’ve guys with skills and playing in that manner, it’s just great and something to learn from.
“As a team I know we will learn from what they are doing and we grow stringer because the way they play is hard to play against. It’s great for us, great for Europe and great for what they are doing down here. Coming here today, it’s a fabulous place, fabulous support and long may it continue.”
And with the two teams set to resume Heineken Cup battle again this weekend, Wilkinson is expecting another stiff examination from Rob Baxter’s side on home soil.
“We know we have to prepare damn well to play against them,” said Wilkinson, who was named European Player of the Year last season. “We’ve seen first hand today what what the Chiefs are capable of and maybe if a few ball didn’t go down or the rub of the green went slightly different, we know we would have been in a very different situation right now.
“Right now we’ll take each game as it comes, but these guys will be incredibly tough next week. Then whoever they face after that, it’s impossible to say who is going to qualify from this group. Like I said, today could easily have been a different story, so I wouldn’t like to be doing this again.”
With Toulon next, then European dates with Glasgow Warriors (home) and Cardiff Blues (away), there is still plenty for the Chiefs to play for as the Heineken heads towards the final straight of the pool stages.
Likewise, Toulon and Wilkinson still have plenty of hurdles to overcome themselves. The England international continued: “It’s do or die every game, and it reminds me somewhat of the Rugby World in 2007 when we came off the loss to South Africa and suddenly you find yourselves backs to the wall in every game. It doesn’t matter how well you get out of that next one, you are still in the same position, and it’s a stressful place to be.
“Obviously we lost to Cardiff last time and that put us in that position, but at the same time it does something for you and if you are able to use that pressure; turn it into positive motivation and work together, then you grow as a team.”
The Chiefs will use this coming week to tweak a few areas of their game plan before heading to Toulon on Friday with game day following a day later at 2.35pm.
Exeter Chiefs
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It was French flair versus English grit as Exeter Chiefs welcomed the all-stars of Toulon to Sandy Park on Saturday. It was certainly a daunting task, with Bernard Leporte’s side boasting names such as Botha, Wilkinson, Giteau and Habana.
However, it was the men from Devon who started better, with Castrogiovanni fumbling the ball under the shadow of his own posts off the kick-off, allowing Chiefs to build some early pressure. Only a try-saving tackle in the corner by Toulon’s captain, Jonny Wilkinson, denied Jack Nowell a try after just two minutes of play. Fortunately Chiefs were playing with a penalty advantage so the play was bought back, allowing Steenson to give them an early 3-0 lead.
This lead was short lived, however, as two minutes later a punchy break from Toulon’s hooker Craig Burden got him behind the Chiefs defence, and he gave a spectacular offload for loose-head Florian Fresia to bundle over for the first try of day. Wilkinson was unable to provide the extras.
Errors continued to slip into the Toulon play; Matt Giteau clearing the ball only as far as a team mate’s back, giving Chiefs a scrum in a very promising position. Again the French side’s defence held firm, a bone-shattering hit from French international Bastareaud floored Steenson, forcing the Chief’s fly-half off the pitch after just 20 minutes to be replaced by the young Henry Slade.
The first half continued to be a rather scrappy affair, with both sides frequently fumbling passes and giving away penalties at the break down. The two sides appeared to be forcing it, both playing as though they were chasing the game, a sign of the mutual respect for their opposition.
Both sides did show glimpses, Toulon were camped on the Chiefs line for a considerable amount of time before Chiefs turned it over in the ruck, allowing Matt Jess to burst up the pitch- this time only denied by an unfortunate bounce of the ball following his chip and chase. A further two penalties from the boot of Slade and one by Wilkinson meant Chiefs went into half time 9-8 up, deservedly so.
The uncharacteristic errors continued to plague Toulon’s game in the second half, and Wilkinson missed three consecutive penalties in ten minutes. The physicality of the encounter was plain to see; neither side was giving an inch and as the second half continued some of the super-stars of the Toulon starting line-up, including Habana and Williams, were forced off the pitch. This allowed Laporte to utilise his high calibre bench- with a host of internationals including Carl Hayman and Maxime Mermoz coming on to further Toulon’s on-pitch quality.
As the second half wore on Chiefs began to build some momentum, settling into the game. Moments of brilliance from Chief’s youngsters Nowell and Slade allowed them to build pressure and let the pack get the upper hand in the scrum. However they were unable to capitalise as handling errors let them down at crucial times. Time and time again Chiefs got themselves within touching distance of that elusive try but the wall of red held firm and frustration began to sneak into Chiefs’ attack as the error count rose.
Exeter players at the final whistle. Photo: sportinglife
As the game entered the final quarter the experience of Toulon began to shine through. Barnstorming carries from Botha and Masoe led the charge as wave after wave of attackers pounded the Chief’s defence. They were unable to break through though despite coming close on several occasions.
A strong carry from Masoe off the base of the scrum bought Toulon within ten meters, then Wilkinson was dragged down just inches from the line. The Toulon back line spread it wide from the break down, utilising an overlap. Nowell scrambled well to make a fantastic try-saving tackle in the corner to prevent replacement Suta from crossing the whitewash.
Chiefs, however, knocked it on at the lineout, allowing Toulon to continue to build the pressure. They won a penalty at the scrum and opted for points. Following a very uncharacteristic performance with the boot, Wilkinson decided a change of kicker was needed and this time Giteau stepped up to the tee amidst boos and chants of “we want Jonny.” Safe to say the Toulon captain may not be in favour of a trip back to the South West any time soon. Giteau slotted the penalty to bring the score to 9-11 entering the final stages if the game.
After 74 minutes Wilkinson dropped into the pocket to land a trademark drop goal off his well cultured left boot, making the score 9-14. Chiefs were forced to throw everything at Toulon, running the ball from all areas of the pitch. The Toulon defence held firm, forcing the Chiefs runners into lateral attacks as they failed to make any significant headway.
As they entered the final play Chiefs had possession, camped in the opposition’s territory. However, they gave away a penalty in the ruck, and Wilkinson punted for touch, bringing the game to an end with a final score of 9-14.
For a neutral observer, the game would have been a little bit of a disappointment. Toulon seemed off their game, lacking intensity and were lacklustre in attacks- not showing the expansive, running rugby that won them the Heineken Cup last season.
Chiefs on the other hand showed glimpses of why they are so highly respected. They played a whole team performance as always, and all of them were out on their feet after giving their all. Stand out performances came from the two youngsters Nowell and Slade, who shone the brightest despite all the world-class talent on show.
This result leaved Chiefs in third place of Pool 2 behind Cardiff Blues and Toulon, leaving them with some considerable making up to do if they are to progress out of the pool stages.
Mike Stanton, Sport Editor
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Irishman Ian Whitten is looking forward to exciting times ahead after he became the latest Exeter Chiefs player to commit his future to the Aviva Premiership club.
The 26-year-old back follows club-mate Jack Yeandle in agreeing terms on a new two-year contract to remain at Sandy Park.
Signed in the summer of 2012 from Ulster, Irish international Whitten has settled well to life in the Westcountry, establishing himself as a prominent member of Rob Baxter’s first-team squad.
To date, Lisburn-born Whitten has featured 34 times for the club, either in the centre or on the wing, and has scored two tries in the process.
Now, with his immediate future secured, the talented ace is looking to build on what has been an encouraging first two years in Devon.
“Signing on again was a fairly easy decision for me to make,” said Whitten. “I’ve had two good years here already and hopefully I’ll have two more good years,
“At the moment I feel I am doing well; that I’m improving as a player and I like where the club is going. The systems they have in place are good ones, I like the way we play, so I can only see success for the club going forward.”
And with two years’ experience of English rugby’s top flight under his belt, Whitten insists there is still more to come from him as a player in Exeter colours.
“The Premiership has been tough, it’s tougher than the Pro12 in the fact that you can’t ever have an off week and get away with it,” he said. “The Heineken Cup also has been a great experience for us all. I think having had a couple of years in Europe we are getting better and we are getting used to the bigger occasions. We have a big one on Saturday [against Toulon], so it’s great be part of it all.
“On a personal level, my target for the future is to do well and be successful with the Chiefs. I want the club to start pushing into semi-finals and latter stages of competitions. You can see we are improving year on year, so hopefully over the next two years we can move onto that next level. I want to be ambitious with the team and contribute to Exeter doing well.”
However, it seems it’s not just playing that clearly appeals to Whitten love of the region. Off the field, the Ulsterman insists he is happily settled and enjoying the ‘craic’ of his team-mates and the Exeter fan base.
“The craic is brilliant here,” added Whitten. “The big thing for me is you have to enjoy playing rugby and I enjoy playing here. The banter is great, there is a lot of it and it’s pretty relentless. I deal with it as best I can, but it will be great to have a few more years of it.
“The Chiefs fans are great, I’ve had a few pints of Guinness with them in Dublin and I’ve experienced the Whimple Fun Bus, so I’ve enjoyed that side of things. It’s nice to come to a new place and settle in so well. Devon, as I said, is great and I wouldn’t have a bad thing to say about the place.”
And it’s that support from the sidelines which helps to drive Whitten on in games, he continued: “I have come from Ravenhill and that’s a great atmosphere on match-days, but here is just as good and our fans make great noise, home or away. Having that kind of support behind you each week, you just want to do well all the time and push the club forward.”
Phase One of Exeter Rugby Club’s multi-million pound redevelopment of their Sandy Park Stadium is to begin early in the New Year, officials have today confirmed.
After months of behind the scenes activity, including raising in excess of £7.5m through the Exeter Chiefs 2020 Bond, the green light has now been given for the planned works to begin.
Earlier this year the Chiefs unveiled their ambitious, long-term plans to transform Sandy Park into a state-of-the-art stadium that would not only see the ground capacity double to that of 20,600 – but also involve the building of three new grandstands, a 1,000-seater auditorium, as well as expanding the conference and banqueting facilities.
To kick-start the first phase of that development, Exeter Rugby Group in August launched the Chiefs 2020 Bond, which was open to private and corporate investors to raise the initial target of £7.5m.
This week that target sum was duly reached, much to the delight of Exeter Rugby Group chairman Tony Rowe OBE, who said: “These are very exciting times for the club – both on and off the field – and the instigation of these works demonstrates that we are continuing to build for what we hope will be a hugely successful future.
“I am delighted that so many people share the same vision and passion that I have for the club and for Sandy Park. Like anything, it will take time and a lot of effort by plenty of people, but I can assure everyone that everything will be carried out in the right manner and at the right time, thus ensuring that whilst we look to build off the field, we remain a competitive force on the field both in the Premiership and in Europe.
“For us to progress, as we want to, it’s essential every cog is in place and that nothing is done to jeopardise our long-term goals. Our vision for the future remains as strong as ever and this week’s news is the next step in our journey.”
Helping to guide Exeter Rugby Group through the whole Bond issue have been corporate finance experts Isca Ventures, Prydis Wealth Ltd and Michelmores LLP – all of whom have been praised by Rowe for their “outstanding” contribution.
“Without the help of our experts at Isca Ventures, Prydis and Michelmores, I do not believe we would have got to this stage,” added Rowe. “It has been there vast knowledge and experience that has proved invaluable in helping to move the whole project forward.”
Phase One of the development will see conference and banqueting facilities in the West Grandstand enlarged to span the full length of the pitch, creating a venue capable of hosting more than 1,000 delegates.
Additional seating will replace the current North West and South West terraces at either end of the grandstand; whilst the car park will also be enlarged and the main pitch re-laid.
Alongside Rowe, representatives from Isca Ventures, Prydis Wealth and Michelmores have all expressed their happiness at the initial target being reached.
“We were delighted to play a leading role in putting the Exeter Chiefs 2020 Bond together and providing corporate finance support through-out this transaction,” said Mark Champion, Partner at Isca Ventures LLP.
“We needed to come up with an instrument that would suit all the stakeholders of Exeter Rugby Group Plc and be attractive to potential investors, with a corporate bond being a logical choice. The response from members, supporters and investors has been fantastic and we are pleased the Board were able to exceed their fundraising target. We have no doubt the expanded Sandy Park conference centre and rugby stadium will serve the region well for years to come.”
Similar sentiments were expressed by both James Priday, Director at Prydis Wealth Limited and Michelmores Associate, Stephen Morse.
Priday added: “Prydis were both excited and humbled when asked by the Club to advise on the regulatory compliance of the investment proposition.
“We think it’s fantastic that the money was raised in such a way that allowed members and fans to participate in the Chiefs’ future. We are thrilled that the target was met and exceeded, showing not only the success of the investment structure, but also the genuine support that exists for the Club. I personally can’t wait to see the completed stadium.”
Morse said: “We are thrilled to have worked with the Chiefs on their 2020 Bond issue. We are very lucky to have top-flight rugby being played on our doorstep, and it’s great to have played a key role in something that will both help the club go from strength to strength and give a huge boost to business in the region.”
After his sudden retirement a fortnight ago, Exeposé Sport caught up with former Exeter Chiefs captain and current university rugby coach, Tom Hayes
“Make the most of the time you’re on the training pitch. There’s always an opportunity to make yourself better no matter how big or small the thing is that you need to improve on. Don’t let the opportunities pass you by because you don’t get them back”.
The wise words of Tom Hayes, former Exeter Chiefs captain, for any aspiring rugby player.
Hayes, who led the Chiefs from Championship contenders to Premiership punchers, may seem a quiet character in person but has been inspirational figure for the Exeter side.
Unfortunately for him and his club, he has had to call time on his career, at the age of 33, due to ongoing back problems.
The Munster man, who is the brother of ex-Ireland and British & Irish Lions prop John Hayes, epitomises everything that the South West’s premier rugby club is about. Pride, passion and a die-hard attitude to teamwork above personal gains.
“I hope that team mates, first and foremost, and then opponents will respect me as a fella who played a good hard honest game and didn’t shirk anything, didn’t back away from anything but didn’t really overstep the mark either. I went about what I wanted to do as hard as I could for my team,” he said.
“I would hope the boys wouldn’t think I was someone who played for myself or went out on the pitch worrying about me. It was all about the team. It was the same with any team. I captained Shannon and captained Plymouth for a bit as well and I always really wanted the team to do as well as they could.
“It’s something that fellas need to recognise in a professional environment. You carry a responsibility for your team and your squad mates’ livelihoods as well as your own.
“You’re not just working to keep yourself in a job; if you come into the team slacking and you lose, you’re damaging the career of other fellas as well.
“That’s a responsibility I always carried with me. I wanted to do as well for my team mates as for myself.”
And this selfless attitude was personified in the way he bowed out of the game he loves.
After surgery on a troublesome back at the end of last season, coach Rob Baxter gave him all the time he needed to return to fight another round. But when Hayes came back to Sandy Park he struggled, by his own admission, to keep up with the pace and so the decision was taken to give Dean Mumm, capped 33 times for Australia, the armband for this year.
Having conceded the captaincy, Hayes only made a couple of appearances off the bench this season before deciding to call it a day two weeks ago.
“It wasn’t a complete shock to me when it happened, I kind of new it was on the cards. It is a fairly high-end, fine-tuned business and I wasn’t really able to cut it anymore.
If you’re not able to do your job, out the door you go” he laughed.
“I had kind of got to the stage where I wasn’t really enjoying myself because I just couldn’t commit to it. I was missing tackles or not getting to rucks that I could get to a while ago.
“I just didn’t have that spring in my step, the issues I had coming from my back were preventing me to do it. I wasn’t necessarily enjoying it so going back into the club and looking at the boys training, I don’t miss it because I know I couldn’t do it anymore.”
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Listen to the full interview with Tom Hayes:
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Despite the understated, softly spoken exterior, Hayes is a fighter and cites one of his biggest achievements as playing in the Heineken Cup, a competition he adored as a young Munster fan.
“I was at Munster’s very first Heineken Cup game in November 1995. We were playing Swansea at Thormond Park in Limerick. I remember exactly where I was in the crowd. The Heineken Cup just became a huge overwhelming odyssey, a journey that Munster were supposed to go on to try and win it. It was always the big show in town. So for me to play in that for Exeter was really a huge thing personally.”
Despite this, however, staying in the Premiership, having been promoted in 2010, was his crowning glory at the Chiefs.
“It was virtually the same team as we’d had [in the Championship]. We were looking at, by and large, the team that played in the final the year before, and we still managed to stay up” he said.
“Even though we didn’t get a trophy at the end of it and there wasn’t the whole euphoria that there was in getting promoted, staying up and getting 8th in the Premiership was a huge achievement.
“We managed to break the cycle of the team that goes down going straight back up. I think we had a lot more about us than people recognised.”
Hayes, who has been coaching EURFC’s 6th XV (The Fresh 2s) for two years now, tries to bring the ethos from Chiefs to his university side.
“They need to make sure they appreciate what they do for each other and how their work effects those around them. If everyone makes sure they are working hard for the team it adds a lot more tempo and pace to what you do, so they can really go and enjoy themselves” he said.
And if the Chiefs are going to break into the top four of the Premiership, their former captain feels that it will be down to attacking blocks of games and not letting attainable points slip.
“There’s definitely the talent there to get into the top four. The only two games we’ve lost this year have been to Northampton and Leicester. Two of the teams that have been in the top four all of the time.
“It’s definitely something we can build towards. Obviously I know how things operate in there and it hasn’t been spoken about. It’s not like we’re sitting down and saying ‘if we don’t make the top four our season’s a failure’. We look more short term than that.
“Last year we finished 10 points behind Northampton and there were some games where we definitely let some league points slip. London Welsh away, we lost by a couple of points there where we should have won. Sale away was another three points lost, that’s six. We let bonus point wins slip against Wasps and Worcester, those opportunities add up at the end of the season. While it wasn’t a million miles away for us last year, it comes down to the fact that the top teams take those chances and we didn’t.”
Finally, with the monumental challenge of Toulon just around the corner how would Hayes inspire the team?
“It’s where you really want to be so enjoy it, relish it and let everything out. Be as good as you can be, be what you are, that’s something the boys have definitely gone and done.
“With the likes of Toulon and Clermont who have so much money to spend they have quality all the way across the team. You have to stop one to 15, you have to stop the whole lot of them!
“That’s where it comes down to a real cohesive team effort. Everybody has to do their job, you just have to go out and back yourself to do your absolute best and that’s all you can do really.”
The Exeter Chiefs will find it hard to unearth such an equally humble, dogged and admirable character as Tom Hayes in the years to come.
Metaphorically and physically, they are big boots to fill.
Jack Yeandle has spoken of his delight as he today agreed a new two-year contract with hometown club Exeter Chiefs.
Signed during the summer of 2012 from Championship side Doncaster Knights, the hooker has adapted well to life another rung up the league ladder in English rugby – establishing himself as a first-team regular in Rob Baxter’s Chiefs squad.
However, Yeandle remains hugely ambitious and with his future in Devon secured until 2015 at the very least, the talented forward is keen to push his game to new levels.
“Obviously I’m delighted to have signed for another two years,” said Yeandle. “I’m really happy here and it was all very easy in the end. I’m one of the lucky people who gets to play for their hometown club, both in the Premiership and in Europe, so it’s perfect really.
“As everyone knows, I’m a local lad, so playing for the Chiefs is massive and something I am very proud of.”
Initially Yeandle had to bide his time for his chance with the Chiefs – including spending a short spell on loan with the Cornish Pirates – but since brought into the first team picture by Baxter, the 23-year-old has gone from strength to strength.
“I came here to work hard, get my head down and prove myself,” explained Yeandle. “Last season I got given an opportunity and like the old cliche, I’ve just got my head down and kept working hard and now it’s a great position to be in. Playing in the Premiership and in the Heineken Cup, it’s a step up and why you want to play the game. I’m just enjoying every minute of it.”
Yeandle, though, remains level-headed about his achievements and knows that although he has secured a new deal with the Chiefs, the hard work he has shown during his first two years at the club must be replicated moving forward.
He added: “You can’t take your foot off the gas at all. You have to burrow down and try and keep hold of that shirt, simply because Chris [Whitehead] is chomping at the bit, as is Greg [Bateman] who had two good games in the LV= Cup recently. You’ve also got the two Dickies [Luke and Tom] jumping at my heels, so it’s very much about going forward, working hard and keep progressing.
“Here at the club there is no nailed down fact that you’ll be playing each week, you have to work hard to get the shirt. As a club, we just want to keep moving forward – we’ve done that over the last few years – and obviously the aim is to continue that.
“The club are ambitious, not just in terms of what we do on the field, but off it as well there are big things in the pipeline. We want to be mixing it with the big boys. This place is going places, we’ve just won the Rugby Venue of the Year award and it’s a great experience here on match-days, so why wouldn’t you want to be part of it all.”
exeposedev 