Rugby fever in Exeter: Chiefs and RWC

Exeter Chiefs will kick off their 2024/25 Investec Champions Cup campaign with an away fixture against Hollywoodbets Sharks in Durban.

Drawn in Pool One earlier this year, the Chiefs will host Stade Toulousain at Sandy Park next weekend before tackling Union Bordeaux-Begles at home and Ulster Rugby at the Kingspan Stadium in the new year.

For this weekend’s Round One clash, Director of Rugby Rob Baxter has named a dynamic side featuring five players set to make their Investec Champions Cup debuts: Franco Molina, Will Haydon-Wood, Tamati Tua, Jimmy Roots, and Will Rigg. 

The Chiefs' forward pack combines experience and physicality, with Wallabies international Scott Sio anchoring the loosehead, Dan Frost at hooker, and Marcus Street at tighthead. Franco Molina partners Richard Capstick in the second row, while the back row sees Ethan Roots and captain Jacques Vermeulen on the flanks and Greg Fisilau at number eight.

In the backs, scrum-half Stu Townsend links with fly-half Will Haydon-Wood, providing a fresh pairing in the half-back positions. Ben Hammersley and Tamati Tua form a solid midfield duo, while Tommy Wyatt, Immanuel Feyi-Waboso, and Josh Hodge complete a speedy and versatile back three. 

The replacements bench includes a mix of emerging talents and seasoned players, with Jack Innard, Will Goodrick-Clarke, and Jimmy Roots forming the backup front row. Christ Tshiunza and Ross Vintcent bring international experience to cover the pack, while Will Becconsall, Harvey Skinner, and Will Rigg provide options for the backline.

Baxter acknowledges the challenge posed by the Sharks but emphasizes the opportunity to set the tone for the campaign:  “Starting our campaign out in South Africa might be one of the toughest ways to start, but I think we saw the benefit of a start like this last season out in Toulon – a win really fired our whole campaign. Creating a high-tempo, fluid game will be crucial to unsettling them and laying a foundation for the matches to come.”

Unavailable through injury: Jack Dunne, Dafydd Jenkins, Olly Woodburn. 

In domestic rugby news, Storm Darragh has forced the postponement of the highly anticipated fixture between Bristol Bears Women and Exeter Chiefs Women at Ashton Gate. Red and amber weather warnings prompted safety concerns, with ticket holders assured their tickets will remain valid for the rescheduled match. Further details will be announced in due course.

Exeter’s Sandy Park is gearing up to host matches in what is already the fastest-selling Women’s Rugby World Cup in history. Over 220,000 tickets have been sold to date, with demand driving ballots for England’s pool matches and the final at Twickenham. 

The tournament, beginning on August 22, 2025, promises to be the most inclusive and widely celebrated edition yet. Sandy Park will host teams such as France, New Zealand, and Wales, alongside crucial quarterfinal matches. 

Sarah Massey, Managing Director of Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025, expressed excitement over the record-breaking ticket sales: “Breaking records for ticket sales is just the beginning – we’re building towards a tournament that promises to be inclusive, entertaining, and unmissable for fans and players alike.” 

Fans eager to attend are encouraged to secure tickets through official channels, with premium experience packages now available. Click here for more information.