Exeter Chiefs
{{Short description|English rugby union club, based in Exeter}}
{{About|the men's rugby team|the women's team|Exeter Chiefs Women}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=June 2024}}
{{Use British English|date=May 2013}}
{{Infobox rugby team
| teamname = Exeter Rugby
| image = Exeter Chiefs new logo 2022.png
| imagesize = 190px
| union = Devon RFU
| fullname = Exeter Rugby Club
| nickname =
| location = Exeter, Devon, England
| region =
| countryflag = England
| founded = {{Start date and age|df=yes|1871}}
| ground = Sandy Park
| capacity = 15,600
| chairman = Tony Rowe OBE
| ceo = Tony Rowe OBE
| rugby director = Rob Baxter
| captain = Dafydd Jenkins
| appearances = Ben Moon (300)
| top scorer = Gareth Steenson (2,531)
| most tries = Sam Simmonds (85)
| league = Premiership Rugby
| season = 2023–24
| position = 7th
| url = https://www.exeterchiefs.co.uk/
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Exeter Chiefs (officially Exeter Rugby Club) is an English professional rugby union club based in Exeter, Devon.{{cite web|title=Contact|publisher=Exeter Chiefs F.C.|access-date=7 May 2013|url=http://www.exeterchiefs.co.uk/club-info/contact/}} They play in Premiership Rugby, England's top division of rugby.
The club was founded in 1871 and since 2006 has played its home matches at Sandy Park, a purpose-built facility on the outskirts of the city. They have been known by the name Chiefs since 1999. The club was promoted to the Premiership for the first time in 2010. Since promotion, the Chiefs have become one of the leading clubs in the Premiership, winning the championship title twice, in 2016–17 and 2019–20 respectively, and reaching a further four finals. In October 2020, the Chiefs won the Champions Cup, the top prize in European club rugby union, for the first time, defeating French club Racing 92 in the final of a tournament that was disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Exeter are the only club to win the top four tiers of English rugby, winning the Premiership in 2017 and 2020, RFU Championship in 2010, National League 1 in 1997 and National League 2 South in 1996. They have won the Anglo-Welsh Cup/Premiership Rugby Cup three times, most recently in 2022–23, and the European Rugby Champions Cup once, in 2020.
The current director of rugby is Rob Baxter, who was appointed in March 2009.
History
=Early years=
Exeter Rugby Club was founded in 1871. The club played its first match in 1873 against St. Luke's College, and in 1890 won the Devon Cup. In 1905, the club hosted the first match played by New Zealand on English soil and also in the Northern Hemisphere, at the County Ground. The visitors fixture was against a Devon County XV.{{Cite book | last =Tobin |first=Christopher |year = 2005 | title = The Original All Blacks 1905–06 |location = Auckland, New Zealand |publisher = Hodder Moa Beckett |isbn=1-86958-995-5 |page=31}} It was from that game that New Zealand became known as the "All Blacks".{{cite news|author=Frank Keating |url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2010/nov/03/all-blacks-new-zealand-1905 |title=How the original All Blacks went down in the annals of history |work=The Guardian|date=3 November 2010 |access-date=6 May 2014}}
When league rugby started, Exeter were initially placed in the Devon leagues.
=Early league and professional era=
In 1993 and 1995, Exeter reached the quarter finals of the Pilkington Cup before being knocked out by top division opponents Leicester Tigers and London Wasps respectively.{{cite web |url=http://www.proteusmedia.co.uk/files/p_POArticleDisplay.asp?sectionID=PO&prID=314&clientID=16 |title=130 Years of Rugby History |publisher=Proteus Media |access-date=6 May 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140506112643/http://www.proteusmedia.co.uk/files/p_POArticleDisplay.asp?sectionID=PO&prID=314&clientID=16 |archive-date=6 May 2014 |url-status=dead }}
In 1997, Exeter were promoted into the Premiership Two for the first time from National League 1. They regularly finished in the top half of the table. In 2005, Exeter finished second in the league, missing out on promotion by four points behind Bristol Rugby. The next season, they moved from the County Ground to Sandy Park due to a need for modern facilities that included corporate hospitality.{{cite web|url=http://www.scrumdown.org.uk/exeter-chiefs/ |title=Exeter Chiefs |publisher=Scrumdown.org.uk |date=29 April 2014 |access-date=6 May 2014}} In 2008 they again finished in second place and again missed out on promotion by finishing behind Northampton Saints. The same situation happened the next season when Exeter finished behind Leeds Carnegie.
=Premiership=
In 2009, National Division One was reorganised into the RFU Championship with playoffs. During the regular league season, Exeter finished second behind Bristol. In the playoffs, they defeated Bedford Blues and Nottingham, before facing Bristol in the two legged final.{{cite news|last=Gibbins |first=Dave |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_union/english/8702010.stm |title=Exeter Chiefs closing in on Premiership dream |publisher=BBC Sport |date=25 May 2010 |access-date=6 May 2014}} Exeter won 9–6 in the first leg at Sandy Park and then won 29–10 at Bristol's Memorial Stadium in the second leg to win promotion to the Premiership for the first time.{{cite news|last=Tuckett |first=Phil |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_union/english/8705336.stm |title=Bristol 10-29 Exeter (Exeter win 38-16 on aggregate) |publisher=BBC Sport |date=26 May 2010 |access-date=6 May 2014}}
In their first season in the Premiership, they finished eighth despite a two-point deduction and a £5,000 fine for fielding too many overseas players during their match against Leeds Carnegie at Headingley Stadium.{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-union/13209972 |title=Exeter Chiefs deducted two points and fined £5,000 |publisher=BBC Sport |date=27 April 2011 |access-date=6 May 2014}} They also made their debut in the European Challenge Cup, making their way to the quarter finals where they lost to Stade Français.{{cite web|url=http://www.itv.com/news/westcountry/2012-04-06/exeters-hopes-of-european-silverware-are-dashed/ |title=Exeter's hopes of European silverware are dashed |publisher=ITV |access-date=6 May 2014}} In the next season, they finished fifth in the Premiership which permitted them to play in the Heineken Cup for the first time. In their first season in the Heineken Cup, they were drawn against French Clermont Auvergne, Irish Leinster Rugby and Welsh Scarlets in the group stage. They finished the group third with nine points ahead of Scarlets.{{cite web|url=http://www.espn.co.uk/heineken-cup-2012-13/rugby/series/167361.html?template=pointstable |title=Heineken Cup 2012/13 - Points table |publisher=ESPN |access-date=7 May 2014}} In 2014, Exeter Chiefs won their first major rugby trophy after they defeated Northampton Saints in the Anglo-Welsh Cup 15–8 at Sandy Park.{{cite web|last=Osborne |first=Chris |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-union/26551754 |title=LV= Cup final: Exeter Chiefs 15-8 Northampton Saints |publisher=BBC Sport |date=16 March 2014 |access-date=7 May 2014}}
In 2014–15 Exeter Chiefs finished 6th in the Aviva Premiership, reached the semi-finals of the European Challenge cup, losing at Gloucester, and reached the final of the LV Cup again, losing 22–20 to Saracens at Franklins Gardens.
= Recent seasons =
In the 2015–16 season the Chiefs finished in second place in Premiership Rugby{{Cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/rugbyunion/tables/9617786/Aviva-Premiership-Table-2015-16.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170222062744/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/rugbyunion/tables/9617786/Aviva-Premiership-Table-2015-16.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=22 February 2017|title=Aviva Premiership Table: 2015-16|newspaper=Telegraph.co.uk|access-date=20 February 2017|language=en}} entitling them to a home semi final in the Aviva Premiership which was played against Wasps. They won the match 34-23{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/36317395|title=Premiership semi-final: Exeter Chiefs 34-23 Wasps|date=21 May 2016|newspaper=BBC Sport|access-date=20 February 2017|language=en-GB}} thanks to two penalty tries, a try from Ian Whitten and a try from Dave Ewers as well as two penalties and four conversions from Gareth Steenson. This meant the Chiefs qualified to their first Aviva Premiership final on 28 May. They lost 28–20 to champions Saracens despite tries from England international Jack Nowell and club captain Jack Yeandle as well as 2 penalties and 2 conversions from Gareth Steenson.{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/36390531|title=Premiership final: Saracens 28-20 Exeter Chiefs|date=28 May 2016|newspaper=BBC Sport|access-date=20 February 2017|language=en-GB}}
The Chiefs also reached the quarter-final of the European Champions Cup in 2015–16. They were drawn away to Wasps in a tight game which they eventually lost 25–24 at the Ricoh Arena after Wasps' Jimmy Gopperth kicked a last-minute conversion.{{Cite news|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-union/club-rugby/wasps-vs-exeter-chiefs-match-report-jimmy-gopperth-kicks-for-european-champions-cup-semi-finals-in-a6976806.html|title=Match report: Wasps vs Exeter|date=9 April 2016|newspaper=The Independent|access-date=20 February 2017|language=en-GB}}
In 2016–17, the Chiefs won the Premiership for the first time in their history by beating Wasps in the final 23–20. The game finished 20–20 at full time with captain Gareth Steenson slotting a late penalty to take it to extra time. In extra time, Steenson added another penalty to secure the victory.{{cite web|url=https://www.premiershiprugby.com/report/match-report-wasps-20-exeter-chiefs-23-aet/#report|title=Match Report: Wasps 20 Exeter Chiefs 23 (AET)|website=Premiership Rugby|date=27 May 2017|access-date=1 November 2020}}
The Chiefs finished the 2017–18 season eight points clear at the top of the Premiership Rugby table, but ultimately lost to 27–10 to Saracens in the final on 26 May 2018.{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/rugby-union/44212788|title=Premiership final: Exeter Chiefs 10-27 Saracens|publisher=BBC|date=26 May 2018|access-date=1 November 2020}}
The Chiefs saw their most success to date during the 2019–20 season, winning an historic double of the European Rugby Champions Cup, in their first appearance in the final, and the Premiership.{{cite web|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/rugby-union/2020/10/24/mick-clearys-verdict-double-winners-exeter-chiefs-join-elite/ |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220112/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/rugby-union/2020/10/24/mick-clearys-verdict-double-winners-exeter-chiefs-join-elite/ |archive-date=12 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live|title=Mick Cleary's verdict: Double-winners Exeter Chiefs join elite club after show of heart, soul and muscle|website=The Telegraph|date=24 October 2020|access-date=1 November 2020}}{{cbignore}}
In light of several controversies regarding their crest, the club unveiled a new logo ahead of the 2022–23 season (see below).{{Cite web|title=Chiefs reveal new visual identity|url=https://www.exeterchiefs.co.uk/news/chiefs-reveal-new-visual-identity|access-date=27 January 2022|website=www.exeterchiefs.co.uk|language=en-gb}}
In the 2023–2024 season Exeter finished 7th and reached the quarter finals of the champions cup and topped their rugby cup group and then lost in the semi finals to Gloucester. They won their first game 65–20 against Saracens but lost their final game to Leicester Tigers.
In October 2024, the Chiefs sacked their defence coach Omar Mouneimne after having had their worst ever start to the Premiership, suffering six straight defeats at the start the 2024-25 season.https://tbrrugby.com/news/exeter-chiefs-sack-england-touted-coach-after-poor-start-to-the-premiership/ In January 2025, they suffered their 12th defeat in 13 Premiership or Champions Cup and conceded the most points of any game they have played at home since reaching the top flight in 2010, having been defeated 69–17 to Bordeaux Bègles.{{cite web |last=P |first1=A |title=Exeter's miserable season hits new low with record Champions Cup loss |url=https://www.rugbypass.com/news/exeters-miserable-season-hits-new-low-with-record-champions-cup-loss-bordeaux/ |access-date=13 January 2025 |publisher=RugbyPass}}
Stadium
Exeter play their home games at Sandy Park, which is located on the outskirts of the city. The club moved from their previous home, the County Ground, in 2006 having played there regularly since 1905.{{cite web|url=http://www.exeterchiefs.co.uk/club-info/history/|title=History - Exeter Chiefs}} In 2002, Exeter Chiefs started looking for a new stadium because they felt the County Ground provided insufficient opportunities for growth. Despite concerns and opposition from traditionalists within the club, the motion to move was passed by 99% of the attendees at Exeter's annual general meeting. Sandy Park can accommodate 12,800 spectators, however, there are plans to increase this capacity to 20,600 with phase one having begun in early 2014.{{cite web|url=http://www.itv.com/news/westcountry/2013-12-05/phase-one-works-to-begin-at-sandy-park/|title=Phase One works to begin at Sandy Park}} These plans came about because of a requirement for later stages of European matches to be played at grounds with a capacity of at least 20,000.{{cite web|last=Pilnick |first=Brent |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-union/20135551 |title=Exeter Chiefs granted permission for Sandy Park expansion |publisher=BBC Sport |date=30 October 2012 |access-date=7 May 2014}} Following recent East stand changes during 21/22, capacity now at 15,600
Logos and kits
= Current kit =
The kit is supplied by Samurai Rugby Gear. Multinational specialty chemical company Sika is the club's main sponsor for the 2024/25 season, with their logo appearing on the front of the shirt. They also sponsor team captain Dafydd Jenkins. Troy appear on the top left and Watson is on the top right. M.J Baker Foods is on the right sleeve. On the back of the shirt, Centrax is on the top while Sandy Park is on top of the squad number and Bradfords Building Supplies at the bottom. On the shorts, SW Comms (which also appear on the centre and the top left on the front of the shirt) is on the bottom left of the front shorts while on the back shorts, Frobishers Juices is at the top while Otter Brewery is on the bottom left.{{Citation needed|date=February 2023}}
=Logo issue=
In 1999, Exeter Rugby Club turned semi-professional and changed their name to Exeter Chiefs, adopting a logo of a man in a headdress.{{cite web|author=Freshers' guide to: Exeter Chiefs |url=http://xmedia.ex.ac.uk/wp/wordpress/freshers-guide-to-exeter-chiefs/ |title=Freshers' guide to: Exeter Chiefs |publisher=University of Exeter |access-date=6 May 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140506112219/http://xmedia.ex.ac.uk/wp/wordpress/freshers-guide-to-exeter-chiefs/| archive-date=6 May 2014}} The team had previously been referred to as the Chiefs in the 1930s,{{cite web|url=https://www.chiefssupportersclub.co.uk/history/|title="An Interview with Bob Staddon"|date=3 September 2012}} and Exeter rugby sides have done so as far back as 1908.{{Cite news |last=Kitson |first=Robert |date=27 January 2022 |title=Exeter Chiefs replace Native-American branding with new Celtic logo |language=en-GB |work=The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2022/jan/27/exeter-chiefs-replace-native-american-branding-with-new-celtic-logo |access-date=22 February 2023 |issn=0261-3077}} In 2016, the club's fans were called upon to change their behaviour over concerns that it could be considered an offensive appropriation of Native American culture.{{cite web|url=https://imperialglobalexeter.com/2016/06/09/playing-indian-exeter-rugby-in-a-postcolonial-age/|title="Playing Indian": Exeter Rugby in a Postcolonial Age|first=Rachel |last=Herrmann|date=9 June 2016|publisher=Centre for Imperial and Global History, University of Exeter}}
In July 2020, a group set up by Exeter Chiefs supporters called for the club's "racist use of Native American imagery and branding" to be dropped, comparing the use of the headdresses and chanting the tomahawk chop to blackface. A petition gained more than 550 signatures in a week, with Exeter's Labour MP, Ben Bradshaw, also publicly backing the move.{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/rugby-union/2020/07/01/group-started-exeter-chiefs-supporters-petition-club-drop-racist/ |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220112/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/rugby-union/2020/07/01/group-started-exeter-chiefs-supporters-petition-club-drop-racist/ |archive-date=12 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live| work=The Daily Telegraph| date=1 July 2020| title= Group Started by Exeter Chiefs supporters petition club to drop racist imagery}}{{cbignore}} By Wednesday 8 July the petition had grown to 2,000 signatures and the debate about whether a re-brand was needed gained widespread attention.{{cite news|url=https://www.rugbypass.com/news/the-branding-debate-that-has-split-exeter-chiefs-fans/|publisher=RugbyPass|date=8 July 2020|title=The branding debate that has split Exeter Chiefs fans}}{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/53334193|publisher=BBC Sport|date=8 July 2020|title=Exeter Chiefs fans at odds over use of Native American branding}}{{cite news|url=https://www.rugbyworld.com/in-the-mag/is-exeter-chiefs-branding-appropriate-98975|publisher=Rugby World|date=5 July 2020|title=Face-Off: Is Exeter Chiefs' branding appropriate?}} By 29 July the petition had gained 3,700 signatures and the issue was considered by the Exeter Board of Directors, they decided their branding was "highly respectful" but nonetheless retired their mascot Big Chief which "could be regarded as disrespectful". This decision was called "tone deaf" by the petitioners and considered controversial in the wider press.{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/53587404|work=BBC Sport|date=29 July 2020|title=Exeter to keep Chiefs name & logo, but retire 'Big Chief' mascot}}{{cite web|url=https://www.skysports.com/rugby-union/news/19081/12038695/exeter-chiefs-retire-mascot-but-keep-logo-following-branding-review|work=Sky Sports|date=29 July 2020|title=Exeter Chiefs controversially keep logo following branding review but retire mascot}}
In October 2021, fellow Premiership club Wasps called on the RFU and Premiership Rugby to rule on the acceptability of Exeter fans wearing Native American-style headdresses and discouraged the visiting Exeter fans from wearing them, though they stopped short of a ban.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/58883202|work=BBC Sport|title=Premiership club Wasps ask rugby bosses for 'headdress' steer for Exeter Chiefs game|date=12 October 2021|access-date=11 November 2021}} In November 2021 the National Congress of American Indians published an open letter calling for Exeter to drop their logo, the use of headdresses and venue names such as the 'Wigwam Bar', and that the continued use of such things perpetuated "dehumanising stereotypes".{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/59247839|title=Exeter Chiefs: National Congress of American Indians call on Premiership club to drop Native American branding|work=BBC Sport|date=11 November 2021|access-date=11 November 2021}} In response to this, the club stated that this issue would be addressed in the November AGM, and a decision made by the board of directors in the following weeks.{{Cite web|title=Exeter Rugby Club Statement|url=https://www.exeterchiefs.co.uk/news/exeter-rugby-club-statement|access-date=7 December 2021|website=www.exeterchiefs.co.uk|language=en-gb}}
On 27 January 2022 it was announced that the club would be dropping the Native American branding in July 2022. The club now use imagery depicting the Iron Age tribe, the Dumnonii.{{Cite web |title=Chiefs reveal new visual identity |url=https://www.exeterchiefs.co.uk/news/chiefs-reveal-new-visual-identity |access-date=22 February 2023 |website=www.exeterchiefs.co.uk |language=en-gb}}
Season summaries
| class="wikitable" style="margin:auto; width:100%;" |
| colspan="1" |
! colspan="4" | Premiership ! colspan="2" | Domestic Cup ! colspan="2" | European Cup |
|---|
| style="text-align:center; width:6%;"|Season
! style="text-align:center; width:18%;"|Competition ! style="text-align:center; width:5%;"|Final Position ! style="text-align:center; width:5%;"|Points ! style="text-align:center; width:8%;"| Play-Offs ! style="text-align:center; width:12%;"|Competition ! style="text-align:center; width:7%;"|Performance ! style="text-align:center; width:13%;"|Competition ! style="text-align:center; width:7%;"|Performance |
| 1987–88
| 9th | 8 | rowspan=26|N/A | N/A | rowspan=8|No competition | rowspan=8|N/A |
| 1988–89
| 9th | 8 | 3rd round |
| 1989–90
| 6th | 11 | 4th round |
| 1990–91
| 4th | 16 | 3rd round |
| 1991–92
| 4th | 18 | 2nd round |
| 1992–93
| 3rd | 17 | Quarter-final |
| 1993–94
| 6th | 19 | 2nd round |
| 1994–95
| style="background: pink"|Courage League Division 3 | style="background: pink"|10th (R) | style="background: pink"|7 | Quarter-final |
| 1995–96
| style="background: gold"|Courage League Division 4 | style="background: gold"|1st (P) | style="background: gold"|28 | 4th round | No English teams | N/A |
| 1996–97
| style="background: gold"|Courage League Division 3 | style="background: gold"|1st (P) | style="background: gold"|50 | 3rd round | Not qualified | N/A |
| rowspan=2| 1997–98
| rowspan=2|Allied Dunbar Premiership 2 | rowspan=2|11th | rowspan=2|12 | 4th round | rowspan=2| Not qualified | rowspan=2| N/A |
| C&G Cup
| 4th in pool |
| rowspan=2| 1998–99
| rowspan=2| Allied Dunbar Premiership 2 | rowspan=2| 5th | rowspan=2| 29 | 5th round | rowspan=2| No English teams | rowspan=2| N/A |
| C&G Cup
| 2nd round |
| 1999–00
| 4th | 38 | 4th round | Not qualified | N/A |
| 2000–01
| 3rd | 71 | 4th round | Not qualified | N/A |
| rowspan=2| 2001–02
| rowspan=2| National Division 1 | rowspan=2| 3rd | rowspan=2| 92 | 6th round | rowspan=2| Not qualified | rowspan=2| N/A |
| style="background: silver"|Powergen Shield
| style="background: silver"|Runners-up |
| rowspan=2| 2002–03
| rowspan=2| National Division 1 | rowspan=2| 3rd | rowspan=2| 104 | 6th round | rowspan=2| Not qualified | rowspan=2| N/A |
| style="background: silver"|Powergen Shield
| style="background: silver"|Runners-up |
| 2003–04
| 6th | 74 | 4th round | Not qualified | N/A |
| 2004–05
| style="background: silver"|National Division 1 | style="background: silver"|2nd | style="background: silver"|101 | 5th round | Not qualified | N/A |
| 2005–06
| 6th | 71 | Semi-final | Not qualified | N/A |
| 2006–07
| 4th | 101 | style="background: silver"|EDF Energy Trophy | style="background: silver"|Runners-up | Not qualified | N/A |
| 2007–08
| style="background: silver"|National Division 1 | style="background: silver"|2nd | style="background: silver"|116 | style="background: silver"|EDF Energy Trophy | style="background: silver"|Runners-up | Not qualified | N/A |
| 2008–09
| style="background: silver"|National Division 1 | style="background: silver"|2nd | style="background: silver"|119 | Semi-final | Not qualified | N/A |
| 2009–10
| style="background: gold"|RFU Championship | style="background: gold"|2nd (P) | style="background: gold"|88 | style="background: gold"|Champions | 4th in pool | Not qualified | N/A |
| 2010–11
| 8th | 43 | - | LV= Cup | 4th in pool | 2nd in pool |
| 2011–12
| 5th | 59 | - | LV= Cup | 2nd in pool | Quarter-final |
| 2012–13
| 6th | 59 | - | LV= Cup | 2nd in pool | 3rd in pool |
| 2013–14
| 8th | 45 | - | style="background: gold"|LV= Cup | style="background: gold"|Champions | 3rd in pool |
| 2014–15
| 5th | 68 | - | style="background: silver"|LV= Cup | style="background: silver"|Runners-up | Semi-final |
| 2015–16
| style="background: silver"|Premiership | style="background: silver"|2nd | style="background: silver"|74 | style="background: silver"|Runners-up | No competition | N/A | Quarter-final |
| 2016–17
| style="background: gold"|Premiership | style="background: gold"|2nd | style="background: gold"|84 | style="background: gold"|Champions | style="background: silver"|Anglo-Welsh Cup | style="background: silver"|Runners-up | 3rd in pool |
| 2017–18
| style="background: silver"|Premiership | style="background: silver"|1st | style="background: silver"|85 | style="background: silver"|Runners-up | style="background: gold"|Anglo-Welsh Cup | style="background: gold"|Champions | 2nd in pool |
| 2018–19
| style="background: silver"|Premiership | style="background: silver"|1st | style="background: silver"|86 | style="background: silver"|Runners-up | 2nd in pool | 2nd in pool |
| 2019–20
| style="background: gold"|Premiership | style="background: gold"|1st | style="background: gold"| 74 | style="background: gold"|Champions | Semi-final | style="background: gold"|Champions Cup | style="background: gold"|Champions |
| 2020–21
| style="background: silver"|Premiership | style="background: silver"|2nd | style="background: silver"|82 | style="background: silver"|Runners-up | Premiership Cup | no competition | Quarter-finals |
| 2021–22
| 7th | 69 | - | 3rd in pool | Round of 16 |
| 2022–23
| 7th | 48 | - | style="background: gold"|Premiership Cup | style="background: gold"|Champions | Semi-final |
| 2023–24
| 7th | 50 | - | Semi-final | Quarter-final |
Gold background denotes champions
Silver background denotes runners-up
Pink background denotes relegated
Club honours
=Exeter Chiefs=
- European Rugby Champions Cup
- Champions: (1) 2019–20
- Premiership Rugby
- Champions: (2) 2016–17, 2019–20
- Runners–Up: (4) 2015–16, 2017–18, 2018–19, 2020-21
- Anglo-Welsh Cup /Premiership Rugby Cup
- Champions: (3) 2013–14, 2017–18, 2022–23
- Runners–Up: (2) 2014–15, 2016–17
- RFU Championship
- Champions: (1) 2009–10
- Runners–Up: (3) 2004–05, 2007–08, 2008–09
- National League 1
- Champions: (1) 1996–97
- National League 2 South
- Champions: (1) 1995–96
- EDF Energy Trophy
- Runners–Up: (4) 2001–02, 2002–03, 2006–07, 2007–08
- Devon RFU Senior Cup (tier 5)
- Champions: (16) 1889–90, 1970–71, 1971–72, 1972–73, 1975–76, 1977–78, 1979–80, 1981–82, 1988–89, 1989–90, 1990–91, 1991–92, 1992–93, 1993–94, 1994–95, 1995–96
- Runners–Up: (5) 1888-89, 1904-05, 1976-77,1980–81, 1985–86
- Devon RFU Junior Cup
- Champions: (1) 1905–06 (reserve side)
- Runners–Up: (4) 1903–04 (reserve side)
=Exeter Braves=
- Premiership Rugby Shield
- Champions: (2) 2011–12, 2015–16
Current squad
{{For|player movements before or during the 2024–25 season|List of 2024–25 Premiership Rugby transfers#Exeter Chiefs}}
The Exeter Chiefs squad for the 2024–25 season is:{{Cite news|url=https://www.exeterchiefs.co.uk/club/players|publisher=Exeter Chiefs |title=Exeter Chiefs Player List |date=20 November 2024|access-date=20 November 2024}}{{Cite news|url=https://all.rugby/club/exeter/squad |publisher=All Rugby |title=Exeter squad for season 2024/2025 |date=20 November 2024|access-date=20 November 2024}}
{{rugby squad start}}
{{rugby squad player | nat=ENG | pos=HK | name=Dan Frost}}
{{rugby squad player | nat=ENG | pos=HK | name=Jack Innard}}
{{rugby squad player | nat=ENG | pos=HK | name=Max Norey}}
{{rugby squad player | nat=ENG | pos=HK | name=Jack Yeandle}}
{{rugby squad player | nat=RSA | pos=PR | name=Kwenzo Blose}}
{{rugby squad player | nat=RSA | pos=PR | name=Ethan Burger}}
{{rugby squad player | nat=ENG | pos=PR | name=Will Goodrick-Clarke}}
{{rugby squad player | nat=ENG | pos=PR | name=Josh Iosefa-Scott}}
{{rugby squad player | nat=ENG | pos=PR | name=Ehren Painter}}
{{rugby squad player | nat=NZL | pos=PR | name=Jimmy Roots}}
{{rugby squad player | nat=AUS | pos=PR | name=Scott Sio}}
{{rugby squad player | nat=ENG | pos=PR | name=Marcus Street}}
{{rugby squad player | nat=IRE | pos=LK | name=Jack Dunne}}
{{rugby squad player | nat=WAL | pos=LK | name=Dafydd Jenkins}}
{{rugby squad player | nat=ARG | pos=LK | name=Franco Molina}}
{{rugby squad player | nat=ENG | pos=LK | name=Lewis Pearson}}
{{rugby squad player | nat=ENG | pos=LK | name=Rus Tuima}}
{{rugby squad player | nat=ENG | pos=BR | name=Richard Capstick}}
{{rugby squad player | nat=ENG | pos=BR | name=Hallam Chapman}}
{{rugby squad player | nat=ENG | pos=BR | name=Greg Fisilau}}
{{rugby squad player | nat=IRE | pos=BR | name=Martin Moloney}}
{{rugby squad player | nat=ENG | pos=BR | name=Ethan Roots}}
{{rugby squad player | nat=WAL | pos=BR | name=Christ Tshiunza}}
{{rugby squad player | nat=RSA | pos=BR | name=Jacques Vermeulen}}
{{rugby squad player | nat=ITA | pos=BR | name=Ross Vintcent}}
{{rugby squad mid}}
{{rugby squad player | nat=IRE | pos=SH | name=Niall Armstrong}}
{{rugby squad player | nat=ENG | pos=SH | name=Tom Cairns}}
{{rugby squad player | nat=ENG | pos=SH | name=Sam Maunder}}
{{rugby squad player | nat=ENG | pos=SH | name=Stu Townsend}}
{{rugby squad player | nat=ENG | pos=FH | name=Will Haydon-Wood}}
{{rugby squad player | nat=ENG | pos=FH | name=Harvey Skinner}}
{{rugby squad player | nat=WAL | pos=CE | name=Joe Hawkins}}
{{rugby squad player | nat=ENG | pos=CE | name=Will Rigg}}
{{rugby squad player | nat=ENG | pos=CE | name=Henry Slade}}
{{rugby squad player | nat=NZL | pos=CE | name=Tamati Tua}}
{{rugby squad player | nat=ENG | pos=WG | name=Immanuel Feyi-Waboso}}
{{rugby squad player | nat=ENG | pos=WG | name=Ben Hammersley}}
{{rugby squad player | nat=ENG | pos=WG | name=Olly Woodburn}}
{{rugby squad player | nat=ENG | pos=WG | name=Tom Wyatt}}
{{rugby squad player | nat=ENG | pos=FB | name=Josh Hodge}}
{{rugby squad player | nat=WAL | pos=FB | name=Dan John}}
{{rugby squad end}}
=Academy squad=
The Exeter Chiefs Academy squad is:
{{rugby squad start}}
{{rugby squad player | nat=ENG | pos=HK | name=Louie Gulley}}
{{rugby squad player | nat=ENG | pos=HK | name=Sol Moody}}
{{rugby squad player | nat=SCO | pos=HK | name=Elliot Young}}
{{rugby squad player | nat=SCO | pos=PR | name=Keita Ando}}
{{rugby squad player | nat=ENG | pos=LK | name=Joe Bailey}}
{{rugby squad player | nat=ENG | pos=LK | name=Oscar Beckerleg}}
{{rugby squad player | nat=ENG | pos=LK | name=Alfie Bell}}
{{rugby squad player | nat=ENG | pos=BR | name=Charlie Bell}}
{{rugby squad player | nat=ENG | pos=BR | name=Lucas Dorrell}}
{{rugby squad player | nat=ENG | pos=BR | name=Jack Forsythe}}
{{rugby squad player | nat=WAL | pos=BR | name=Kane James}}
{{rugby squad player | nat=ENG | pos=BR | name=Finn Worley-Brady}}
{{rugby squad mid}}
{{rugby squad player | nat=ENG | pos=SH | name=Will Becconsall}}
{{rugby squad player | nat=WAL | pos=SH | name=Orson James}}
{{rugby squad player | nat=ENG | pos=FH | name=Ben Coen}}
{{rugby squad player | nat=WAL | pos=FH | name=Iwan Jenkins}}
{{rugby squad player | nat=ENG | pos=FH | name=Louie Sinclair}}
{{rugby squad player | nat=RSA | pos=CE | name=Nic Allison}}
{{rugby squad player | nat=ENG | pos=CE | name=Kian Gentry}}
{{rugby squad player | nat=ENG | pos=CE | name=Charlie McCaig}}
{{rugby squad player | nat=ENG | pos=CE | name=Chester Ribbons}}
{{rugby squad player | nat=ENG | pos=CE | name=Campbell Ridl}}
{{rugby squad player | nat=ENG | pos=CE | name=Zack Wimbush}}
{{rugby squad player | nat=ENG | pos=WG | name=Paul Brown-Bampoe}}
{{rugby squad player | nat=ENG | pos=FB | name=Tom Burton}}
{{rugby squad end}}
Club staff
First Team Coaching{{cite web|url=https://www.exeterchiefs.co.uk/club/coaching-staff|title=Exeter Chiefs Coaching Staff| publisher=exetercheifs.co.uk|access-date=4 June 2019}}
| class="toccolours" | |
| style="background:silver;"|Role
! style="background:silver;"|Name | |
|---|---|
| Director of Rugby | {{Flagicon|ENG}} Rob Baxter |
| Head coach | {{Flagicon|ENG}} Rob Hunter |
| Backs and Attack coach | {{Flagicon|ENG}} Ali Hepher |
| Assistant Forwards coach | {{Flagicon|ENG}} Ross McMillan |
| Skills coach | {{Flagicon|ENG}} Ricky Pellow |
| Defence coach | {{Flagicon|ENG}} Haydn Thomas |
| class="toccolours" | |
| style="background:silver;"|Role
! style="background:silver;"|Name | |
|---|---|
| Academy manager | {{Flagicon|ENG}} Rob Gibson |
Notable former players
{{See also|Category:Exeter Chiefs players}}
=Lions tourists=
The following players have toured with the Lions while playing for Exeter:
=Rugby World Cup=
The following are players which have represented their countries at the Rugby World Cup, whilst playing for Exeter:
| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" |
| Tournament
!Players selected !{{nrut|England}} players !Other national team players |
|---|
| 2003
| 3 | - | Richard Liddington {{flagicon|USA}}, Siaosi Vaili, Opeta Palepoi {{flagicon|Samoa}} |
| 2011
| 3 | - | Gonzalo Camacho {{flagicon|Argentina}}, Junior Poluleuligaga {{flagicon|Samoa}}, Craig Mitchell {{flagicon|Wales}} |
| 2015
| 7 | Geoff Parling, Jack Nowell, Henry Slade | Tomas Francis {{flagicon|Wales}}, Chrysander Botha {{flagicon|Namibia}}, Elvis Taione {{flagicon|Tonga}}, Michele Campagnaro {{flagicon|Italy}} |
| 2019
| 6 | Luke Cowan-Dickie, Jack Nowell, Henry Slade | Stuart Hogg {{flagicon|Scotland}}, Nic White {{flagicon|Australia}}, Tomas Francis {{flagicon|Wales}} |
| 2023
|3 | |Dafydd Jenkins, Christ Tshiunza {{flagicon|Wales}}, Nika Abuladze {{flagicon|GEO}} |
Notes
{{notelist-lr}}
Academy squad
{{Notelist}}
References
{{Reflist}}
Further reading
- {{Cite book|last=Clark|first=Neil|title=It Was Never My Ambition To Become A Hooker|year=2012|publisher=Chequered Flag Publishing|isbn=978-0-9569460-2-7}}
External links
{{commons category}}
- {{official website}}
{{Exeter Chiefs squad}}
{{Premiership Rugby}}
{{European Rugby Champions Cup}}
{{Authority control}}
Category:Premiership Rugby teams
Category:Rugby union teams in Devon
Category:Rugby clubs established in 1871