Chiefs shake-up as key player departs

Exeter Chiefs centre Henry Slade has been passed fit to play this weekend after undergoing the ‘recognise and remove’ process during last Saturday’s match against Bristol Bears.

The 30-year-old was withdrawn in the 26th minute at Ashton Gate for a head injury assessment but passed all post-match checks. Following a further review with the Chiefs medical team, Slade has now been declared fit and available for selection for this Saturday’s home clash against Newcastle Falcons.

In the same week, Chiefs confirmed that Jacques Vermeulen will leave the club at the end of the season to join Sale Sharks.

The South African back rower, who joined Chiefs in 2019, will complete the current campaign before moving north ahead of the 2025/26 season.

Vermeulen played a key role in Exeter’s 2020 Premiership and Champions Cup double-winning season and has made over 100 appearances for the club.

“As my time with the team comes to a close, I would like to take a moment to express how truly incredible this journey has been,” he said.

“From the very first day, I was welcomed with open arms by each and every one of you, and together, we created something truly special.”

The 6ft 5in forward arrived from the Hollywoodbets Sharks and quickly slotted into a powerful Exeter pack. Known for his work rate and physicality, Vermeulen has scored over 30 tries for Chiefs and earned a reputation as a game-changer in both domestic and European competitions.

“To the supporters; your unwavering passion and dedication have been a constant source of motivation, both on and off the field,” he added. “Devon will always be close to my heart for all the special friends that I have made here outside the club, and I will always come back for a visit.”

Chiefs Director of Rugby Rob Baxter thanked Vermeulen for his contribution, noting the influence he and fellow South African Jannes Kirsten had on the club’s high standards in training and matches.

“Jacques is one of the players who has been here in one of our most successful periods as a club,” said Baxter. “He came into the club alongside the likes of Jannes Kirsten and the two of them really set a tone in terms of the level of our training and the physicality we were able to bring to games for extended periods.”

With Australian flanker Tom Hooper already signed for next season, Chiefs have moved to strengthen their back row ahead of Vermeulen’s departure.

Vermeulen will see out the rest of the season at Sandy Park before making the move to Salford Community Stadium.