Exeter Chiefs climb to third with commanding victory over Newcastle

Exeter Chiefs surged back into third place in the Premiership with an emphatic 38-14 bonus-point win against bottom side Newcastle at Kingston Park.

The Devon outfit delivered a clinical performance, running in six tries to secure successive victories since the league resumed following the Six Nations break. Wingers Paul Brown-Bampoe and Campbell Ridl each crossed twice, while Olly Woodburn and Stephen Varney also added their names to the scoresheet.

The result sees Exeter leapfrog Leicester Tigers in the standings and, significantly, establish an eight-point cushion over fifth-placed Bristol Bears as they push for a long-awaited return to the play-offs for the first time since 2021.

For Newcastle, it was another difficult evening in a challenging campaign. The defeat marked their 11th loss in 12 league matches, leaving them four points behind Harlequins. Moments of quality were scarce, though Christian Wade produced a stunning individual try, and Connor Hancock added a late consolation score.

Exeter set the tone early, showing attacking intent from the outset. Brown-Bampoe opened the scoring with a simple finish in the corner following a slick move from a line-out. Minutes later, fly-half Harvey Skinner split the defence with a precise pass to set up Ridl for the visitors’ second.

A dominant maul paved the way for Brown-Bampoe’s second try, before Woodburn secured the bonus point inside 30 minutes with a well-taken effort. Ridl added his second before the break, finishing off an incisive attacking move featuring a key contribution from Woodburn.

The Chiefs continued their dominance after half-time, with Varney crossing shortly after the restart following another well-executed line-out move.

Newcastle, who had shown promise in a narrow defeat to league leaders Northampton Saints the previous week, struggled to replicate that performance. In Stephen Jones’ first home game as interim head coach, the hosts were overwhelmed by Exeter’s intensity and precision.

Wade provided a rare highlight for the home crowd, showcasing his trademark agility and pace to beat four defenders and score a remarkable try—his first in the Premiership for the club and the 94th of his career.

Hancock’s late effort offered some consolation, but it did little to mask a one-sided contest as Exeter underlined their credentials as serious play-off contenders.