Exeter Chiefs concluded a challenging and transformative season marked by significant contributions from new recruits and a resilient team ethos that propelled them to the Premiership final. The campaign began with a demanding pre-season training on Exmouth Beach, a rigorous preparation that director of rugby Rob Baxter credited as foundational to the team’s development and success.
Among the new arrivals was South African hooker Joseph Dweba, who endured tough conditioning early on but ultimately became a pivotal figure during critical moments, including Exeter’s comeback efforts in the semi-final against Bath. Baxter highlighted Dweba’s role, particularly when he was brought on early in the second half during a challenging game scenario, underscoring the trust placed in his scrummaging abilities and physical presence.
Exeter’s season was notable for the impact of several newcomers, with six players standing out for their season-defining performances. Andrea Zambonin and Tom Hooper earned places in the official Premiership team of the season, while scrum-half Stephen Varney impressed sufficiently to secure a long-term contract shortly after joining. Baxter attributed the success of these signings to the players’ willingness to commit and integrate into a squad still recovering from one of its worst finishes since their promotion in 2010, emphasizing the importance of “doing the right things” over mere words.
The defensive resolve and capacity for comebacks became hallmark traits of Exeter’s play. Their Premiership final showed this resilience, with the team overcoming an early concession due to a defensive miscommunication to mount a disciplined, phase-intensive defensive effort. This approach was evident throughout the season, including a dramatic draw on the opening day after trailing Northampton 33-7.
Exeter’s leadership and squad depth were on display in their final appearances. Club captain George Furbank played his farewell game, securing a second Premiership title. His journey from season ticket holder to academy graduate and team leader was praised by Northampton director of rugby Phil Dowson, who highlighted Furbank’s resilience and off-field leadership as exemplary.
The final itself was a tightly contested, defense-heavy match played under humid conditions. Exeter’s league-leading defence and tactical discipline ultimately prevailed over Northampton Saints, whose key players, including Marcus Smith, Tommy Freeman, and Alex Mitchell, struggled with execution at crucial moments. Despite these errors, Northampton demonstrated moments of composure and skill, with George Hendy scoring pivotal tries and Henry Pollock earning player of the match honors for his consistent influence.
The season also featured standout individual performances across the Premiership. Saracens’ Tom Willis was recognized as player of the season, distinguished by his attacking prowess and statistical dominance in carries and offloads. Meanwhile, memorable moments included George Ford’s long-range drop goals at Bath and George Hendy’s celebrated try-scoring efforts that inspired fan enthusiasm.
Looking ahead, attention has turned to the health and availability of key players. Exeter’s Alex Coles, who remained fit throughout the season, may influence plans for England’s summer preparations, especially considering suggestions for resting established stars like England captain Maro Itoje.
Ultimately, Exeter’s season was defined by a collective commitment to hard work and adaptability, an approach that allowed a number of new players to flourish and the team to achieve success against strong opposition. The blend of experienced leaders and emerging talent offered a foundation for optimism in the seasons to come.