Chiefs name squad for cup final clash

The countdown is on as Exeter Chiefs prepare to battle West Country rivals Bath Rugby in the Premiership Rugby Cup final this Sunday.

A year after their tense Investec Champions Cup Last 16 clash, the two sides are back in knockout action, with bragging rights and a trophy on the line.

Both teams punched their ticket to the final with commanding wins last weekend. The Chiefs tamed Ealing Trailfinders on Saturday, while Bath put Newcastle Falcons to the sword on Friday night with a dominant second-half display.

Ricky Pellow, steering the ship alongside Ross McMillan, has assembled a strong squad for this high-stakes clash.

Club captain Jack Yeandle leads the pack at hooker, with experienced props Scott Sio and Josh Iosefa-Scott alongside him. In the second row, Argentine powerhouse Franco Molina partners Wales international Christ Tshiunza. The back row remains unchanged, with Ethan Roots, Jacques Vermeulen, and Greg Fisilau bringing muscle and mobility.

Stu Townsend and Harvey Skinner take charge of the half-back duties, while the dynamic midfield duo of Joe Hawkins and Tamati Tua will be looking to punch holes in the Bath defence. Speedsters Josh Hodge and Paul Brown-Bampoe provide firepower on the wings, with the ever-reliable Tommy Wyatt marshalling from full-back.

Coach Ricky Pellow is buzzing for the occasion and believes his side is more than ready.

“With any final, emotions run high - especially at home, in front of our own fans. It makes it extra special. The lads will be playing in front of family, friends, and a packed-out Sandy Park, and that brings both excitement and a bit of pressure,” said Pellow.

“This cup run has been huge for us. It’s allowed us to take a hard look at our game and build a squad that plays for each other. The way we’re playing is exciting, and that’s what we want to bring on Sunday.”

A home final and the chance for silverware meant squad selection was always going to be competitive.

“For the boys who have been delivering week in, week out, they deserve to be out there. They’ve fought for selection, and they’ve fought in games - now they get the chance to fight for a trophy.”

Starting XV:

15 Tommy Wyatt

14 Paul Brown-Bampoe

13 Joe Hawkins

12 Tamati Tua

11 Josh Hodge

10 Harvey Skinner

9 Stu Townsend

1 Scott Sio

2 Jack Yeandle (c)

3 Josh Iosefa-Scott

4 Franco Molina

5 Christ Tshiunza

6 Ethan Roots

7 Jacques Vermeulen

8 Greg Fisilau

Replacements:

16 Dan Frost

17 Kwenzo Blose

18 Marcus Street

19 Lewis Pearson

20 Richard Capstick

21 Tom Cairns

22 Will Haydon-Wood

23 Will Rigg

With silverware, local pride, and a raucous home crowd behind them, the Chiefs will be determined to make this final one to remember. Will they rise to the occasion? Sunday will tell the tale!