Dave Walder joins Chiefs coaching staff in 2025 rebuild

The 46-year-old arrives at Sandy Park during a period of transition for the club, which is rebuilding after a disappointing 2024/25 season.

Walder, who played over 100 games for Newcastle Falcons before returning to coach the side in 2014, also brings recent Premiership experience from a stint with Bristol Bears as senior backs and skills coach.

He now joins Rob Baxter’s coaching set-up alongside fellow former England U20 coach Haydn Thomas, assistant forwards coach Ross McMillan, and skills and development coach Ricky Pellow.

“I’m really excited to have the opportunity to come down to the Chiefs to work with a really talented group of players as well as a young, dynamic coaching group,” said Walder.

“It’s obviously been a really tough year for them results-wise, but the green shoots of growth are there, so I’m excited to work with the group moving forward.”

Walder added that his focus will be on re-establishing the team’s attacking game, helping them “get back to where they belong - at the top, competing for trophies.”

Chiefs’ Director of Rugby Rob Baxter welcomed the appointment and confirmed Walder would begin work immediately, including preparations for this weekend’s match.

“It’s fantastic for us to have someone of his experience and capabilities joining us,” said Baxter.

“He always brought out the best in the group he had at Newcastle, and more recently he's been working with some of our England U20 players - those guys have only had positive things to say about him.”

The move marks another step in Exeter’s reset following a season that saw significant changes on and off the field.