EXETER CHIEFS VS NORTHAMPTON SAINTS
SATURDAY 25 TH MAY 4.30PM
£3.00
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SATURDAY 1ST SEPTEMBER | 4.30PM
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SATURDAY 1ST SEPTEMBER | 4.30PM
IN THIS ISSUE VS
WELCOME ....................................................... 3 DIRECTOR’S VIEWPOINT .................................... 5 CLUB NEWS ............................................ 6, 9, 11 END OF SEASON AWARDS............................ 14-15 MATCH REPORT ......................................... 16-17 FIXTURES, STATS & RESULTS ......................... 20-21 LET’S GET SOCIAL........................................ 24-25 COACH & STAFF . ............................................ 28 SAINTS MATCH-BALL SPONSOR IMAGES ........... 32 SAINTS MATCH SPONSOR IMAGES..................... 33 TODAY’S MATCH SPONSOR ...............................34 TODAY’S MATCH-BALL SPONSORS......................35 PREMIERSHIP SHORTS ................................ 36-37 TEAM LINE-UP ........................................... 38-39 2018/19 SQUAD ......................................... 40-44 OPPOSITION ............................................. 48-53 EXETER FOUNDATION ..................................... 57 NIGEL WALROND ........................................... 59 HEAD 2 HEAD ................................................ 63 OUR SPONSORS ............................................ 65 FEATURED PLAYER ...................................... 66-69 JUNIOR CHIEFS .......................................... 72-73 PREMIERSHIP REVIEW ................................ 76-77 MY TEAM MATES ........................................... 79 COMMUNITY NEWS ................................... 82-83
CONTACTING THE CLUB Exeter Rugby Club Ltd Sandy Park Stadium, Sandy Park Way,
Exeter EX2 7NN T: 01392 890 890 E: info@exeterchiefs.co.uk www.exeterchiefs.co.uk
Office hours: Monday - Friday 8.30am - 5.30pm
Ticket office hours: Monday - Friday 9.30am - 4.30pm Match Days from noon
Chief Executive & Chairman: Tony Rowe OBE, Hon LLD Deputy Chief Executive: Keiron Northcott Directors: Rob Baxter, Steve Byrne, Mark Champion, Brian Lodge, Chris Over, Alan Quantick President: Bob Staddon Director of Rugby: Rob Baxter, Hon LLD Head Coach: Ali Hepher Coaches: Rob Hunter, Ricky Pellow, Julian Salvi Academy Manager: Rob Gibson Team Manager: Tony Walker Head of Strength & Conditioning: Mark Twiggs Director of Sports Medicine: Adrian Harris Head of Sports Medicine: Jamie Fulton Media & Communications Manager: Mark Stevens PA to Chairman & Office Manager: Toni Percival Community Development Manager: Andrew Dudley Merchandise Manager: Sarah Scott - 01392 890872 Sandy Park General Manager: Natasha Pavis Head of Finance: Nicky Teague Ticket Office Manager: Hannah Sutheran Design & Production: JJC Shine | Shine Creative Programme Editor: Mark Stevens Printing: Bishops Printers Photography: JMP, Getty Images Head of Sales and Marketing: Lisa Duncan Corporate Account Manager: Kai Horstmann 01392 890879 - (M) 07741 146980
Information correct at time of going to press.
OFFICIAL EXETER CHIEFS
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EXETER CHIEFS VS NORTHAMPTON SAINTS
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GOOD AFTERNOON LADIES AND GENTLEMEN AND WELCOME TO SANDY PARK FOR THIS AFTERNOON’S GALLAGHER PREMIERSHIP RUGBY SEMI-FINAL ENCOUNTER AGAINST NORTHAMPTON SAINTS. WELCOME
What has been weeks and months in the planning, now comes down to an afternoon of rugby, the rewards of which will see the victors head to Twickenham in a week’s time to face either Saracens or Gloucester. For a fourth successive season, we find ourselves just a game away from reaching the showpiece event in the English rugby calendar. In what has been the most competitive Premiership season to date, to get to this stage – in the position we have – has once again taken a huge effort by everyone associated with the club, particularly Rob, his staff and the squad itself. This is, however, the time where we need to make that final push for glory. Northampton, as they showed earlier in the season – and again here at Sandy Park just a week ago – will pose a significant challenge and we know we will need to be at our very best if we are to prosper further. Our experience from featuring in recent semi-finals will no doubt be of benefit this afternoon, but so too will be home advantage, so I call on all of you to make yourselves heard and roar the team onwards and upwards. As I’ve mentioned before, our support is the envy of many and this season this has been further highlighted by not only a record-breaking year of season ticket sales, but also that today’s game marks our 11th sell-out of the season, taking our average attendance for the season over 12,000. To have such backing is pivotal to our progress, on and off the field, and I know the part all of you play each and every game we play. Equally, we must applaud the efforts of the team itself who – for a second successive season – have again finished top of the Premiership after 22 rounds. To be top of the pile, eight points better off than Saracens in second, underlines the desire our lads have shown throughout the course of the campaign to once again savour another Twickenham triumph.
That said, finishing first at the end of the regular season wins you nothing. It gives you an advantage, including today’s home semi-final, but it’s knockout rugby from here on in and we know we can ill afford any kind of slip-up. Standing in the path of our route back to the capital are Northampton, who themselves have enjoyed an excellent season under the stewardship of Chris Boyd. The strides they have made this season are there for all to see and having tackled them just a week ago, we know the challenge they bring this afternoon. I’ve no doubt that today’s match will live up to all of the pre-match billing and that both sides will serve up a cracking fixture for all of you here in attendance, as well as those tuning in around the world. Finally, as this is our last home game of the season, can I once again thank everyone for their support across the season, both home and away. To see the players, coaches, staff and supporters mixing in huge numbers at the final whistle last week, following what was a big win for us, was fantastic to see and shows how we are all in this together.
Regards, TONY ROWE
OBE, H N LLD CHAIRMAN & CHIEF EXECUTIVE EXETER RUGBY CLUB
EXETER CHIEFS VS NORTHAMPTON SAINTS
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SATURDAY 25TH MAY | 4.30PM
DIRECTOR’S VIEWPOINT
GOOD AFTERNOON TO YOU ALL AND WELCOME BACK TO SANDY PARK FOR WHAT IS OUR LAST HOME GAME OF THE 2018/19 SEASON.
Firstly, I would like to thank-you all for your support, which once again has been simply outstanding. The backing you provide, each and every home game, certainly does makes it a very special to play. I do think the best aspect of playing here at Sandy Park is that it feels like a stadium where our supporters are living and breathing the game with us. That in itself creates an arena of real emotion, which we can all draw energy and strength from. I could spend some time congratulating the team for the season to date, but we dealt with this at our end of season dinner last week, and now we have to focus on today and the game against Northampton Saints, not what has passed previously. Today is slightly unusual in that we are playing the same opposition in a semi-final as we played last week in the last round of Gallagher Premiership. However, it is only unusual due to the fixture list and nothing else, the challenges in the game remain the same, and our focus has to be very much on ourselves and how we want to play, together with the energy we are prepared to commit to our game plan. Due to playing one another only last week, it’s meant we have had a good, recent look at each other, and although I am sure we will both have seen things we want to improve in ourselves or, attack in the opposition, actually staying focused on a few simple areas will probably bring the greatest rewards. If last week highlighted anything, it’s the reward that you get for driving yourself across the 80 minutes. There were some tough periods and we were a little disappointed to not capitalise further on an extended period of pressure just before half- time. However, we never wavered in our belief and stepped things up, both mentally and physically in the second half, to drive home the win.
The best thing about being involved in games like today are that the rewards are also right in front of you. No longer are we collecting points for something that might be months away, now we’re playing today to win a semi-final. For me, that makes this a hugely exciting occasion and I hope you all enjoy supporting our team throughout. Finally, can I take this opportunity to once again welcome Chris Boyd, his fellow coaches, players, officials and supporters of Northampton Saints to today’s fixture.
Enjoy the game, ROB BAXTER DIRECTOR OF RUGBY EXETER RUGBY CLUB
WESTERLY EXETER.
EXETER CHIEFS VS NORTHAMPTON SAINTS
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@EXETERCHIEFS @OFFICIALEXETERCHIEFS OFFICIAL EXETER CHIEFS
CLUB NEWS
LOW TO BRING CURTAIN DOWN ON PLAYING CAREER
Exeter Chiefs prop Moray Low says the time is right for him to bring the curtain down on his distinguished playing career and look to a future away from the professional game. Brought to Devon in 2014 from Glasgow Warriors, the Scottish international has played his part in helping Rob Baxter’s side establish themselves as a proven force, not only within the English game, but on the European stage too.
Having made his name North of the Border with Glasgow Warriors, whom he spent eight seasons with, Low has proved a shrewd signing by Baxter, amassing 70 first team appearances for the Chiefs, scoring seven tries in the process. At 35, though, the life of a front-row forward is never easy and with competition aplenty for Low to contend with, the Toprhins-born powerhouse is ready to hang his boots up and pursue the next chapter in his life. “Coming to the Chiefs, it’s been fantastic for me,” he said. “I knew when I came down five years ago that the club were going places and that’s certainly been the cases. For me, personally, it’s been great to be part of a great journey, seeing where the club has come from to where it is now. “At the time, it was a big move for me. I’d had eight great years with Glasgow, so I was coming out of my comfort zone. However, I wanted to play in the Premiership and really challenge myself. From day one, it’s been very enjoyable, playing and working alongside some great people, and it’s definitely made me a better player. “To retire now at the end of the season, it’s definitely the right time for me. I’m very happy with what I’ve done, what I’ve achieved, and I know the club will continue to move in the right direction in the future. We’ve got a number of internationals props - on both sides of the scrum - and behind them we’ve got a really good group of young lads who are coming through.” Moving forward, Low will continue as a director of Tomahawk Homes, as well as taking on a new post with Thomas Mae, who specialise in residential development and land investment opportunities, offering professional advice to landowners, developers and house builders.
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SATURDAY 25TH MAY | 4.30PM
WINTER FLIGHTS OUT NOW 19/20 *
*For flights until 28.03.20. Only available on flybe.com, subject to availability. Please refer to flybe.com for full schedule details. Not all flights operate for the entire travel period. Includes flights operated by our franchise partners, Eastern Airways, Stobart Air and Blue Islands.
OFFICIAL EXETER CHIEFS
@EXETERCHIEFS @OFFICIALEXETERCHIEFS OFFICIAL EXETER CHIEFS
CLUB NEWS
QUAYSIDE WILL PROVIDE PERFECT BACKDROP FOR 2019/20 KIT LAUNCH
Exeter Chiefs will reveal their new cup and home kit for the 2019/20 season at a special launch event in July. After the success of last year’s event, Rob Baxter and members of the Exeter Chiefs squad will return to Exeter Quay on Saturday, 20th July. As well as getting the chance to see the first glimpse of the club’s new kits, supporters will be able to get up close and personal with all the players during the fun-filled, family event in the heart of the city centre.
The event will begin at 3pm supporters will be able to get their hands on the new kits from the mobile Trading Post, whilst the club’s Community team will also in attendance with a range of activities. Youngsters will also be able to sign up for the Junior Chiefs, which offers the chance of becoming a match-day mascot at Sandy Park. A number of the club’s key partners and sponsors will also be in attendance around the quayside with various other activities, entertainment and activation for fans.
EXETER CHIEFS VS NORTHAMPTON SAINTS
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@EXETERCHIEFS @OFFICIALEXETERCHIEFS OFFICIAL EXETER CHIEFS
CLUB NEWS
ARMAND IS LATEST CHIEF ADDED TO THE 100 CLUB
England international Don Armand was the latest inductee into the Exeter Chiefs Centurions Club when he made his 100th league appearance in last weekend’s Gallagher Premiership win against Northampton Saints. Brought to the club back in 2013 from the Stormers, the 30-year-old made his top flight debut back in September 2013 against Leicester Tigers. Since then, the Harare-born forward has established himself as an integral part of the Chiefs squad, scoring 31 tries in his tally of 136 appearances to date. He joins the likes of Sam Hill, Henry Slade, Gareth Steenson, Phil Dollman, Ben Moon, Jack Yeandle, Ian Whitten and Matt Jess in achieving the feat since the club’s elevation into the Premiership back in 2010. Armand was presented with a glass momento to mark the feat by club chairman and chief executive Tony Rowe OBE following the Saints game.
SUPPORTERS REWARD CORDERO AND KVESIC FOR THEIR EFFORTS
Exeter Chiefs duo Santiago Cordero and Matt Kvesic were both rewarded for their seasonal efforts by picking up individual awards form the Chiefs’ Supporters Club. Following the final whistle of last week’s home clash with Northampton Saints, Cordero was presented with the Chiefs’ Supporters Player of the Year award, as well as the away supporters Champagne Moment for his try away to Bristol Bears in the Gallagher Premiership, Kvesic, meanwhile, was named the Away Supporters Player of the Year.
EXETER CHIEFS VS NORTHAMPTON SAINTS
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END OF SEASON AWARDS 2019
Santiago Cordero’s brilliant on-field performances this season were duly rewarded at the Exeter Chiefs End of Season Dinner as he was crowned the club’s Player of the Year. At a packed-out Sandy Park, the Argentine international beat off the challenge of Matt Kvesic and Henry Slade to land the prestigious award. In what has been a remarkable 12 months for the 25-year-old, not only has he established himself as a recognised fans’ favourite amongst the Exeter supporters, but he has produced some dazzling displays that have helped the Chiefs to finish top of the table at the end of the regular season. With 10 tries already to his name this season - including his effort in the Heineken Champions Cup against Castres, which won him the Individual Try of the Season accolade on the night - it’s little wonder he has been the talk of the town at the Devon club this season.
As well as picking up the Players’ Player prize and the Individual Try of the Season, Cordero is in a three-way battle for the club’s top try-scorer alongside skipper Jack Yeandle and Kvesic. Other award winners on the night were Joe Simmonds, who picked up the Young Player of the Year, Joe Parker-Cook, who picked up the Community Player of the Year, while long-serving lock Ollie Atkins was awarded the Team Man of the Year. As well as the awards, Chief Executive Tony Rowe OBE and Director of Rugby Rob Baxter both addressed the audience of over 600 people; Kai Horstmann conducted a Q&A with international stars Jack Nowell, Nic White, Ollie Devoto, Dave Dennis and Harry Williams, whilst the crowd were later entertained by the band Reckless.
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SATURDAY 25TH MAY | 4.30PM
AND THE WINNERS ARE...
CENTRAX PLAYER OF THE YEAR Santiago Cordero
SW COMMS YOUNG PLAYER OF THE YEAR Joe Simmonds
MJ BAKER CLUB MAN OF THE YEAR Ollie Atkins
OTTER BREWERY TRY OF THE SEASON Santiago Cordero
NUFFIELD HEALTH COMMUNITY PLAYER OF THE YEAR Joe Parker-Cook
PACKEXE TOP TRY SCORER Contenders for this award are Santiago Cordero, Jack Yeandle and Matt Kvesic.
EXETER CHIEFS VS NORTHAMPTON SAINTS
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I’VE NO DOUBT WE WILL TAKE A GREAT DEAL OF CONFIDENCE FROM THIS PERFORMANCE. NORTHAMPTON HAVE BEEN ONE OF THE FORM TEAMS IN THE PREMIERSHIP, YET WE’VE JUST GOT A 5-0 WIN AGAINST THEM” ROB BAXTER
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SATURDAY 25TH MAY | 4.30PM
MATCH REPORT SATURDAY 18TH MAY 2019
40 - 21 EXETER CHIEFS
NORTHAMPTON SAINTS
TRIES Slade, Moon, Armand, Kvesic, Dennis, Cowan-Dickie
TRY Francis, Hutchinson, Reinach
CONVERSION Biggar (2), Grayson
CONVERSIONS J Simmonds (5)
LINE-UP J Nowell; A Cuthbert (S Hill 53),
LINE-UP A Tuala; T Collins (F Van Wyk 40-50), R Hutchinson, P Francis (L Burrell 53), T Naiyaravoro; D Biggar (J Grayson 33-40, 59), C Reinach (A Mitchell 47); A Waller (capt), R Marshall (J Fish 5), P Hill (B Franks 61); A Moon (D Ribbans 57), C Lawes; J Gibson, L Ludlam (T Wood 57), T Harrison.
H Slade (G Steenson 74), O Devoto, O Woodburn; J Simmonds, N White (J Maunder 74); B Moon (B Keast 66), J Yeandle (capt, L Cowan-Dickie 55), H Williams (T Francis 50); D Dennis (S Skinner 59), J Hill; D Ewers (S Simmonds 60), D Armand, M Kvesic.
YELLOW CARD Lawes, Waller
REFEREE K Dickson
ATTENDANCE 12,911
EXETER CHIEFS VS NORTHAMPTON SAINTS
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2018/19 FIXTURES, RESULTS & STATS
DATE TIME
OPPONENTS (KO)
COMP RESULT ATT.
17 19.30 A CORNISH PIRATES
F
L 29 - 21 3,000
5
18 15.00 H 24 19.30 A
CARDIFF BLUES
F W 38 - 10 9,246
MUNSTER
F
W 0 - 12 5,948
5
01 16.30 H LEICESTER TIGERS
GP W 40 - 6 10,452 GP W 31 - 42 13,104 5 GP W 35 - 18 9,073
5
08 14.00 A 15 15.00 H
WASPS
5 5
5
SALE SHARKS
21 19.45 A NEWCASTLE FALCONS GP W 17 - 24 7,022 29 15.00 H WORCESTER WARRIORS GP W 28 - 11 9,730
10
GP W 24 - 39 14,301 5 ECC D 10 - 10 12,749 ECC L 29 - 25 9,600 PRC D 22 - 22 6,502 PRC W 25 - 18 12,693 PRC W 29 - 13 11,927 GP W 29 - 31 16,776 GP W 23 - 6 12,772 GP L 28 - 26 12,568 ECC L 19 - 27 11,762 5 ECC W 17 - 19 11,905 5 GP W 31 - 13 12,791 GP W 14 - 9 12,788 ECC W 34 - 12 11,800 ECC L 9 - 7 26,267 5 PRC W 10 - 12 8,845 GP L 24 - 17 13,658 GP W 35 - 17 12,713 GP W 14 - 20 6,407 5 GP W 29 - 10 12,809 GP W 20 - 52 21,503 GP L 19 - 26 12,909 GP W 17 - 15 12,921 GP L 38 - 7 10,000
05 19.45 A 13 15.15 H 20 14.00 A 03 13.00 H 10 13.00 H 18 15.00 A 24 13.00 H 30 19.45 A 08 13.00 H 14 19.45 A 22 15.00 H 05 15.00 H 13 13.00 H 19 17.30 A 26 15.00 A 15 19.45 A
BATH
5
MUNSTER CASTRES
5
10
28 15.00 A NEWCASTLE FALCONS
5
BATH
5
HARLEQUINS BRISTOL BEARS GLOUCESTER HARLEQUINS GLOUCESTER GLOUCESTER
5
5
5
5
SARACENS
5 5
28 19.45 A NORTHAMPTON SAINTS GP L 31 - 28 15,005
BRISTOL BEARS
5
5
CASTRES MUNSTER
5
BRISTOL BEARS
GLOUCESTER
5
5
23 14.30 H NEWCASTLE FALCONS
5
02 15.00 A
SALE SHARKS
10
09 15.00 A WORCESTER WARRIORS GP W 30 - 33 9,142
5 5
24 15.00 H
BATH
5
06 16.30 A LEICESTER TIGERS
14 15.00 H 27 14.00 H 04 15.00 A
WASPS
5
HARLEQUINS
5
SARACENS
18 16.00 H NORTHAMPTON SAINTS GP W 40 - 21 12,911 5
5
5
25 16.30 H NORTHAMPTON SAINTS GP SF
STARTED MATCH
POINTS SCORED
REPLACEMENT OFF THE BENCH
BENCH
RED CARD
YELLOW CARD
15
GP - GALLAGHER PREMIERSHIP RUGBY ECC- EUROPEAN CHAMPIONS CUP PRC - PREMIERSHIP RUGBY CUP F - FRIENDLY
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SATURDAY 25TH MAY | 4.30PM
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EXETER CHIEFS VS NORTHAMPTON SAINTS
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COUNTY LAND ROVER
WE’RE PROUD TO SUPPORT THE EXETER CHIEFS THIS 2018-2019 SEASON County Land Rover Hollowtree Road, Barnstaple, Devon EX32 8QZ 01271 349440 www.county.landrover.co.uk Official Fuel Consumption Figures for the 18MY Land Rover range in mpg (I/100km): Urban 15.4-57.7 (18.3-4.9); Extra Urban 28.5-76.4 (9.9-3.7); Combined 21.7-67.3 (13.0-4.2). CO 2 Emissions 299-109 g/km. The figures provided are as a result of official manufacturer’s tests in accordance with EU legislation. A vehicle’s actual fuel consumption may differ from that achieved in such tests and these figures are for comparative purposes only.
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SATURDAY 25TH MAY | 4.30PM
LET’S GET SOCIAL!
Just wanted to say a huge thank you to all at the game yesterday and for the banter after my chase the otter...!!! especially the lovely lot we met in East terrace north.. I had my hen do at chiefs yesterday being a huge rugby fan and also after originally meeting my husband to be in the bar after a game 3ish years ago. I had a smile on my face all day long and safe to say burned off all the ciders on the dance floor in the bar after (right?!)... Massive thanks to the brilliant bands along with all the staff I had a laugh with too. Hope you all had a good one. @Emily Angell • Mar 19
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SATURDAY 25TH MAY | 4.30PM
@EXETERCHIEFS @OFFICIALEXETERCHIEFS OFFICIAL EXETER CHIEFS
We love hearing from our fans on Social Media, so please share all your greatest moments with us for the chance to feature in our next programme!
EXETER CHIEFS VS NORTHAMPTON SAINTS
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SATURDAY 25TH MAY | 4.30PM
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PLAYERS PHOTOGRAPHED WITH THE ASPECT 8 SLIMLINE. WITH THANKS TO THE HUNTER STOVES GROUP.
COACH & STAFF
ROB BAXTER DIRECTOR OF RUGBY
WESTERLY EXETER.
ALI HEPHER HEAD COACH
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JAMIE FULTON HEAD OF SPORTS MEDICINE ALASTAIR McFARLAND PHYSIOTHERAPIST STEVE HAW PHYSIOTHERAPIST MIKE DEAN PHYSIOTHERAPIST ROB LILLIS PHYSIOTHERAPIST ADAM WITTY-MERRIN PHYSIOTHERAPIST
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NICK COX STRENGTH & REHABILITATION SPECIALIST JAMES PARKES STRENGTH & CONDITIONING SPECIALIST GARETH ELLIOTT PERFORMANCE ANALYST MATT TRIBBLE ACADEMY ANALYST KEITH FLEMING MATCH DAY CO-ORDINATOR KYE MUNSLOW PLAYING SIDE OPERATIONS
CONDITIONING ROB BEDDARD
CLUB DOCTOR ADAM REUBEN CLUB DOCTOR
ACADEMY STRENGTH & CONDITIONING COACH
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SATURDAY 25TH MAY | 4.30PM
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MATCH-BALL SPONSORS EXETER CHIEFS V NORTHAMPTON SAINTS | SATURDAY 18TH MAY 2019
MATCH-BALL SPONSOR | Any Weld Ltd Any Weld Ltd representative Aaron Yeo is handed a signed Exeter Chiefs ball by first-team players Ian Whitten & Tom Hendrickson
MATCH-BALL SPONSOR | Fire Defence Kate Corbitt of match ball sponsors Fire Defence is handed a signed Exeter Chiefs ball by first-team players Ian Whitten & Tom Hendrickson.
MATCH-BALL SPONSOR | Granted Ltd Exeter Chiefs backs Ian Whitten & Tom Hendrickson present a signed ball to Jon Williams & Tom Kennard of Granted Consultancy.
MATCH-BALL SPONSOR | Viridor Exeter Chiefs players Ian Whitten & Tom Hendrickson line-up alongside Lee Gommersall of match-ball sponsor Viridor.
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SATURDAY 25TH MAY | 4.30PM
EXETER CHIEFS V NORTHAMPTON SAINTS SATURDAY 18TH MAY 2019
MATCH SPONSOR | Devon Distillery Cosmo Caddy of match sponsors Devon Distillery Ltd is presented with a signed Exeter Chiefs shirt by first-team stars Ian Whitten & Tom Hendrickson.
PLAYER OF THE DAY | Matt Kvesic Matt Kvesic is presented with his award by Cosmo Caddy of match sponsors, Devon Distillery Ltd.
EXETER CHIEFS VS NORTHAMPTON SAINTS
33
TODAY’S MATCH SPONSOR
34
SATURDAY 25TH MAY | 4.30PM
TODAY’S MATCH-BALL SPONSORS EXETER CHIEFS VS NORTHAMPTON SAINTS SATURDAY 25TH MAY
Fire Defence Servicing Limited You’re Safe in Our Hands Fire Defence Servicing Limited You’re Safe in Our Hands
Fire Defence Servicing Limited Design, Supply, Install, Service, Maintenance and Remedial Works provider of the following: Sprinkler Systems - Fire Extinguishers Dry and Wet Risers - Hose Reels For more information or to arrange a quotation please contact us: 01769 575 040 Fire Defence Servicing Limited Desig , Supply, Install, Service, Maintenance and Remedial Works provider of the following: Sprinkler Syst ms - Fire Extinguishers Dry and Wet Risers - Hose Reels For more information or to arrange a quotation please contact us: 01769 575 040 fds@ r - f c .c www.fire-defence.com fds@fire-defence.com www.fire-defence.com
Proud to be associated with Exeter Chiefs for over 10 years Proud to be ass ciated with Exeter Chiefs for over 10 years
OFFICIALSUPPORTER 2018/19
EXETER CHIEFS VS NORTHAMPTON SAINTS
35
PREMIERSHIP SHORTS
VUNIPOLA SIDELINED FOR REMAINDER OF THE SEASON Mako Vunipola will miss the climax to Saracens’ pursuit of the Gallagher Premiership title with a torn hamstring. Vunipola was hurt during the Heineken Champions Cup final win over Leinster and the 28-year-old will be out for “a minimum of three months.” But Saracens director of rugby Mark McCall insists the British and Irish loose-head will be available for England’s World Cup campaign. England’s first World Cup pool game in Japan is against Tonga on September 22. Before that, there are four warm-up fixtures scheduled for August and September and Vunipola is a doubt to participate in those. Fellow Saracens prop Titi Lamositele will also miss the Premiership title push.
QUINS’ WING VISSER CALLS TIME ON HIS CAREER Harlequins and former Scotland wing Tim Visser is to retire at the end of the current season. The 31-year-old ended his Test career a year ago and will now quit the professional game to “move on to new challenges outside of rugby”. Netherlands-born Visser, known as the “The Flying Dutchman”, scored 14 tries in 33 Tests after qualifying for Scotland through residency in 2012. His 66 games for Quins have brought 39 tries since his arrival in 2015. Visser started his professional career at Newcastle after being discovered playing sevens in the Netherlands. He moved on to Edinburgh, where he was leading try-scorer in the old Pro12 league for four successive seasons in a six-year spell in the Scottish capital, before moving south to Quins. Harlequins head of rugby Paul Gustard praised Visser’s “exceptional career”, calling him “a fantastic servant” to the club.
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SATURDAY 25TH MAY | 4.30PM
PREMIERSHIP SHORTS
DU PREEZ TWINS JOIN OLDER BROTHER AT SALE South African twins Dan and Jean-Luc du Preez will join older brother Rob at Sale Sharks next season after agreeing a loan deal with the Gallagher Premiership club. The 23-year-olds will return to South Africa to play in Super Rugby for Natal Sharks in 2020. Back row Jean-Luc made six appearances earlier this season for Sale during a previous loan spell until January. Fellow back row Dan has played four times for his country, the last against England in Cape Town last June. “Both lads are huge men with a commanding physical presence,” said Sale director of rugby Steve Diamond.
PRIESTLAND ENSURES BATH’S PLACE IN CHAMPIONS CUP Rhys Priestland’s last-gasp conversion ensured Bath of not only victory at Leicester Tigers, but also the final European Chmapions Cup place. Jacques van Rooyen’s close-range score and Priestland’s kick completed a second-half comeback to see them edge out Sale Sharks into sixth place. Leicester had earlier led by 14 points with tries by Ellis Genge, Brendon O’Connor and Clayton Blommetjies and 16 points from the boot of George Ford. Anthony Watson, Joe Cokanasiga and Beno Obano also crossed for Bath. It was a thrilling send-off for departing Bath director of rugby Todd Blackadder, who saw his side trail for the majority of the contest. Bath join defending champions Saracens, Exeter Chiefs, Gloucester, Northampton Saints and Harlequins as the Premiership’s representatives next season.
GLOUCESTER PROP TRAYNOR TO HANG UP HIS BOOTS AT END OF SEASON Former Scotland prop Kyle Traynor has announced his decision to retire from the sport at the end of the season. The 33-year-old, who won four caps for Scotland between 2009 and 2012, will hang up his boots at the end of the Gallagher Premiership play-offs with Gloucester. “I have experienced so many amazing and unforgettable things and made some truly incredible friends,” the former Edinburgh prop said. “To represent my country was a lifelong dream and I will never, ever forget the feeling of pulling on the Scotland jersey and wearing the Thistle. “To have represented Edinburgh Rugby, Bristol, Leicester Tigers and Gloucester Rugby is truly an honour and from making my Edinburgh debut in 2006 until now, I have tried to make a positive contribution to every team that I’ve been a part of.”
EXETER CHIEFS VS NORTHAMPTON SAINTS
37
TODAY’S LINE-UP
Match Sponsor
11
6
1
TOM O’FLAHERTY
DAVE EWERS
ALEC HEPBURN
4
9
NIC WHITE
DAVE DENNIS
2
8
JOE SIMMONDS
JACK YEANDLE (CAPT)
MATT
10
15
KVESIC
5
JACK NOWELL
12
OLLIE DEVOTO
JONNY HILL
3
7
13
HARRY WILLIAMS
DON ARMAND
HENRY
SLADE
14
ALEX CUTHBERT
REFEREE MATT CARLEY TOUCH JUDGES TOM FOLEY & JACK MAKEPEACE
B E B R I L L I A N T
michaelspiers.co.uk
@EXETERCHIEFS @OFFICIALEXETERCHIEFS OFFICIAL EXETER CHIEFS
Match-Ball Sponsors
Fire Defence Servicing Limited You’re Safe in Our Hands
Fire Defence Servicing Limited Design, Supply, Install, Service, Maintenance and Remedial Works provider of the following: Sprinkler Systems - Fire Extinguishers Dry and Wet Risers - Hose Reels For more information or to arrange a quotation please contact us: 01769 575 040
14
6
BEN FRANKS 3
JAMIE GIBSON
TOM COLLINS
4
9
fds@fire-defence.com www.fire-defence.com
COBUS REINACH
8
DAVID RIBBANS
2
DAN BIGGAR Proud to be associated with Exeter Chiefs for over 10 years
JAMES FISH
TEIMANA
10
15
HARRISON
5
AHSEE
12
TUALA
PIERS FRANCIS
COURTNEY LAWES
ALEX WALLER (CAPT) 1
7
13
LEWIS LUDLAM
RORY HUTCHINSON
TAQELE NAIYARAVORO 11
4TH OFFICIAL JONATHAN HEALY TK LAURIE BRYANT TMO ROWAN KITT
2018/19 SQUAD
DON ARMAND BACK-ROW 23.09.1988 1.91m 6ft 3in 115kg 18st 1lb
OLLIE ATKINS LOCK 12.08.1988 2.00m 6ft 6in 118kg 18st 8lbs
MAX BODILLY FULL-BACK 09.09.1994 1.85m 6ft 1in 86kg 13st 7lbs
RICHARD CAPSTICK BACK-ROW 13.02.2000 1.91m 6ft 3in 103kg 16st 3lbs
JOSH CAULFIELD LOCK/BACK-ROW 09.06.1997 1.94m 6ft 4in 116kg 18st 3lbs
SANTIAGO CORDERO WING 06.12.1993 1.79m 5ft 10in 83kg 13st 1lb
LUKE COWAN-DICKIE HOOKER 20.06.1993 1.85m 6ft 1in 110kg 17st 4lbs
ALEX CUTHBERT WING 05.04.1990 1.91m 6ft 3in 105kg 16st 7lbs
PAUL DAVIS HOOKER 10.02.1994 1.88m 6ft 2in 119kg 18st 10lbs
DAVE DENNIS LOCK/BACK-ROW 10.01.1986 1.92m 6ft 4in 113kg 17st 11lbs
OLLIE DEVOTO CENTRE 1.92m 6ft 4in 102kg 16st
PHIL DOLLMAN CENTRE/FULL-BACK 15.05.1985 1.83m 6ft 90kg 14st 2lbs
22.09.1993
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SATURDAY 25TH MAY | 4.30PM
JAMES FREEMAN BACK-ROW 11.12.1990 1.90m 6ft 3in 113kg 17st 11lbs
FLYNN ELWORTHY BACK-ROW 27.10.1999 1.88m 6ft 2in 93kg 14st 9lbs
DAVE EWERS BACK-ROW 03.11.1990 1.93m 6ft 4in 125kg 19st 9lbs
TOMAS FRANCIS PROP 27.04.1992 1.86m 6ft 1in 135kg 21st 3lbs
RODNEY SPILLER WEALTH MANAGEMENT LTD
www.rodneyspillerwm.co.uk
SAM HILL CENTRE 1.84m 6ft
TOM HENDRICKSON CENTRE 01.09.1994 1.84m 6ft 100kg 15st 10lbs
ALEC HEPBURN PROP 1.85m 6ft 1in 108kg 17st
JONNY HILL LOCK 08.06.1994 2.01m 6ft 7in 112kg 17st 8lbs
14.07.1993
30.03.1993
103kg 16st 3lbs
Building Supplies
GREG HOLMES PROP
JACK INNARD HOOKER 03.07.1995 1.80m 5ft 11in 103kg 16st 3lbs
ONEHUNGA KAUFUSI BACK-ROW 16.02.1996 1.88m 6ft 2in 112kg 17st 8lbs
BILLY KEAST PROP 1.84m 6ft
11.06.1983
24.11.1996
1.83m 6ft
114kg 17st 13lbs
109kg 17st 2lb
JAMES KENNY PROP 26.01.1999 1.80m 5ft 11in 116kg 18st 3lbs
MATT KVESIC BACK-ROW 14.04.1992 1.88m 6ft 2in 107kg 16st 11lbs
PETE LAVERICK CENTRE
TOM LAWDAY BACK-ROW 11.11.1993 1.88m 6ft 2in 109kg 17st 2lbs
18.01.1995
1.82m 6ft
94kg 14st 11lbs
CoGen, a leadingAdvancedGasificationWaste toEnergy companywithin theUK isproud to supportgrass roots to topflight rugby inDevon. Good luck Exeter Chiefs!
EXETER CHIEFS VS NORTHAMPTON SAINTS
41
2018/19 SQUAD
MITCH LEES LOCK 12.10.1988 1.96m 6ft 5in 122kg 19st 2lbs
SEAN LONSDALE LOCK/BACK-ROW 07.06.1993 1.96m 6ft 5in 110kg 17st 4lbs
MORAY LOW PROP 28.11.1994 1.88m 6ft 2in 128kg 20st 2lbs
JACK MAUNDER SCRUM-HALF 05.04.1997 1.78m 5ft 10in 80kg 12st 8lbs
SAM MORLEY FLY-HALF 14.07.1998 1.78m 5ft 10in 80kg 12st 8lbs
SAM MAUNDER SCRUM-HALF 22.03.2000 1.80m 5ft 11in 81kg 12st 10lbs
JAMES M c BACK-ROW
RAE
BEN MOON PROP 14.07.1989 1.80m 5ft 10in 110kg 17st 4lbs
09.12.1995 1.90m 6ft 2in 107kg 16st 8lbs
MAX NOREY HOOKER 05.08.1999 1.78m 5ft 10in 95kg 14st 13lbs
JACK NOWELL WING 11.04.1993 1.80m 5ft 11in 97kg 15st 3lbs
TOM O’FLAHERTY WING 21.07.1996 1.80m 5ft 11in 82kg 12st 12lbs
JACK OWLETT PROP 03.02.1995 1.87m 6ft 2in 122kg 19st 2lbs
42
SATURDAY 25TH MAY | 4.30PM
JOE PARKER-COOK LOCK 27.02.1999 1.92m 6ft 4in 102kg 16st 1lb
ALFIE PETCH PROP 21.12.1999 1.80m 5ft 11in 124kg 19st 7lbs
TOBY SALMON LOCK 26.03.1993 1.99m 6ft 6in 120kg 18st 12lbs
JAMES SHORT WING
15.10.1989
1.82m 6ft
92kg 14st 5lbs
JOE SIMMONDS FLY-HALF
SAM SIMMONDS BACK-ROW
HARVEY SKINNER FLY-HALF 31.02.1997 1.87m 6ft 1in 87kg 13st 9lbs
SAM SKINNER LOCK 31.01.1995 1.96m 6ft 5in 111kg 17st 6lbs
19.12.1996
10.11.1994
1.82m 6ft
87kg 13st 7lbs
1.83m 6ft
103kg 16st 2lbs
HENRY SLADE FLY-HALF/CENTRE 19.03.1993 1.91m 6ft 4in 96kg 15st 1lb
DANNY SOUTHWORTH PROP 04.05.1999 1.78m 5ft 10in 112kg 17st 8lbs
JOE SNOW SCRUM-HALF
GARETH STEENSON FLY-HALF 05.04.1984 1.78m 5ft 10in 84kg 13st 3lbs
11.12.1998 1.80m 5ft 11in 84kg 13st 3lbs
MARCUS STREET PROP 06.02.1999 1.85m 6ft 1in 117kg 18st 5lbs
HARRY STRONG CENTRE 12.06.1997 1.86m 6ft 1in 94kg 14st 11lbs
ELVIS TAIONE HOOKER 1.80m 5ft 11in 108kg 17st
CORY TEAGUE LOCK 09.11.1999 1.98m 6ft 6in 98kg 15st 6lbs
25.05.1983
EXETER CHIEFS VS NORTHAMPTON SAINTS
43
2018/19 SQUAD
STU TOWNSEND SCRUM-HALF 11.10.1995 1.76m 5ft 9in 88kg 13st 12lbs
RUS TUIMA BACK-ROW 21.05.2000 1.95m 6ft 5in 124kg 19st 7lbs
NIC WHITE SCRUM-HALF
IAN WHITTEN CENTRE 05.06.1987 1.89m 6ft 2in 105kg 16st 7lbs
13.06.1990 1.75m 5ft 9in 82kg 12st 12lbs
CoGen, a leadingAdvancedGasificationWaste toEnergy companywithin theUK isproud to supportgrass roots to topflight rugby inDevon. Good luck Exeter Chiefs!
FarewellThomasWaldrom, travelwell andgood luck with your futuredownunder.Veryproud tohavebeen yourplayer sponsor,bestwishes from the family!
COGENChiefs advert.indd 1
10/05/2018 11:57
JACK YEANDLE HOOKER 1.85m 6ft 1in 108kg 17st
HARRY WILLIAMS PROP 01.10.1991 1.91m 6ft 4in 132kg 20st 11lbs
CHARLIE WRIGHT BACK-ROW 11.04.1999 1.85m 6ft 1in 96kg 15st 1lb
OLLY WOODBURN WING 18.11.1991 1.88m 6ft 2in 97kg 15st 3lbs
22.12.1989
Building Supplies
44
SATURDAY 25TH MAY | 4.30PM
HEINEKEN are proud to be the major cider and beer supplier to the Exeter Chiefs.
Wishing them another fantastic season ahead.
S I N C T H E G A L L A I N
Our founder Arthur J. Gallagher – ‘Art’ to his friends – had a certain way of doing business. It was unmistakable. And somewhat innovative for 1927. Art was a relationship guy; community was in his blood, insurance knowledge in his soul. He knew that if he understood his customers, he could identify and reduce their risk. Treating people as he wished to be treated was paramount for Art – he valued their opinion and encouraged excellence at all times. That same year, far from our Chicago home, Bill Braddon and his teammates were young men with matching values and sense of community. Bill joined Exeter at just 17, played over 100 games for the club, registering nearly 200 points. 90 years later, here at Sandy Park, the spirit of Art and Bill has come together as we embark on the Gallagher Premiership. Our founder Arthur J. Gallagher – ‘Art’ to his friends – had a certain way of doing busine s. It was un istakable. And so ewhat i novative for 1927. Art was a relationship guy; co unity was in his bl od, insurance knowledge in his soul. He knew that if he underst od his custo ers, he could identify and reduce their risk. Treating people as he wished to be treated was para ount for Art – he valued their opinion and encouraged excellence at all times. That sa e year, far fro our Chicago ho e, Bill Bra don and his tea ates were young men with matching values and sense of co unity. Bill joined Exeter at just 17, played over 1 0 ga es for the club, registering nearly 2 0 points. 90 years later, here at Sandy Park, the spirit of Art and Bill has co e together as we e bark on the Gallagher Pre iership.
Thanks for welcoming us, Chiefs. We’re proud to be here. Thanks for welco ing us, Chiefs. e’re proud to be here.
Arthur J. Gallagher Insurance Brokers Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Registered Oce: Spectrum Building, 7th Floor, 55, Blythswood Street, Glasgow, G2 7AT. Registered in Scotland. Company Number: SC108909. Arthur J. Gallagher Insurance Brokers Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Regist red Oce: Spectrum Building, 7th Fl or, 5, Blythsw od Str et, Glasgow, G2 7AT. Regist red in Scotland. Company Number: SC108909.
E 1 9 2 7 G H E R WAY.
NORTHAMPTON SAINTS
AVIVA PREMIERSHIP RUGBY RECORD
PLAYED
WON
DRAWN
LOST
475
262
9
205
48
SATURDAY 25TH MAY | 4.30PM
1888
Founded:
Franklin Gardens, Weedon Road, Northampton, NN5 5BG
Ground:
Capacity: 15,500 Director of Rugby: Chris Boyd Captain:
Dylan Hartley
northamptonsaints.co.uk
Website:
DIRECTOR OF RUGBY Chris Boyd
Born July 21, 1958 in Wellington, New Zealand.
Started his coaching career with Tawa Rugby Club, before enjoying spells with the Wellington Lions, the Sharks and the Tonga International team. In 2011, he was appointed coach of Wellington, where he spent three years, combining the role with that of working with the New Zealand Under-20s side. It was at the Hurricanes, however, he really made his name, securing the Super Rugby title in 2016 having finished runners-up the year previous. He joined Northampton Saints at the start of this season, guiding them to the Premiership Rugby Cup in March with victory over Saracens.
CAPTAIN Dylan Hartley
Born March 24, 1986 in Rotorua in New Zealand.
Moved to England in 2002, initially joining the Worcester Warriors Academy in 2005 before moving to Northampton Saints a year later. Made captain of the Saints in 2009, replacing Bruce Reihana, and led them to two successive Aviva Premiership Finals in 2013 and 14, as well as the Heineken Cup Final in 2011. Was sent off in the 2013 Premiership Final against Leicester Tigers for abusing referee Wayne Barnes, but a year later returned to lead his side to the title against Saracens. England’s most capped hooker of all-time with 96 caps, he led the Red Rose country to the Grand Slam in 2016 and the Six Nations title in 2017. He won his first cap in 2008 against the Pacific Islands.
EXETER CHIEFS VS NORTHAMPTON SAINTS
49
HEAD TO HEAD IN THE PREMIERSHIP
18 GAMES PLAYED
V
8 (44%)
WINS 10
(56%)
393
372
POINTS SCORED
Northampton Saints may go into today’s semi-final showdown against Exeter as underdogs, but lock Courtney Lawes insists his side can shock the Chiefs on their own patch. The men in Black, Green and Gold travel to Sandy Park for the second time in as many weeks, after they qualified for the knockout stages of the Gallagher Premiership despite a 40-21 defeat to top-of-the- table Exeter. Piers Francis, Rory Hutchinson and Cobus Reinach all scored tries in a pulsating first half in the Westcountry, but with the scores level at half-time, it was the Chiefs who pulled away after the break with some relentless phase play. Lawes admits Northampton’s ill-discipline was the difference in the second 40, but is adamant that Saints have more than enough firepower to upset the apple cart when they lock horns with Rob Baxter’s side this afternoon. “There’s certainly plenty we can take from the game that makes us think we can turn this result around next week,” he said. “During the first half we went really well but were just a bit ill-disciplined which kept them in it, and then in the second half we lost the error battle which just swung the tide in their favour. “We’re thrilled to make it through as it would be a really gutting result for us if that was the last
43
43
TRIES SCORED
OLLY WOODBURN (4 TRIES)
PAUL DIGGIN & KEN PISI (3 TRIES)
MOST TRIES
MOST POINTS
GARETH STEENSON (126 POINTS)
STEPHEN MYLER (62 POINTS)
HIGHEST ATTENDANCE IN PREMIERSHIP AT SANDY PARK 12,911
50
SATURDAY 25TH MAY | 4.30PM
performance we put in this season – we’re just excited to get back out on the pitch next week and put it all out there. “There’s been plenty of positive change at the club; we’re really tight as a group of people and that really helps when you’re out there fighting with good teams like Exeter, plus we know exactly what we’re trying to accomplish in terms of our game-plan. “Obviously we didn’t do that today because of our ill- discipline, but that’s not the worst thing in the world to have to try and put right in the space of one week – we know where we went wrong.” Northampton’s league tally of 56 points was enough to secure a return to the Premiership’s play-off rounds for the first time since 2015, after Wasps beat Harlequins at the Ricoh Arena. A Twickenham Final date with either Saracens or Gloucester Rugby awaits if they can find a way past the Chiefs, and Lawes is under no illusions that if that is to happen, Northampton will have to put in the hard yards this week. He added: “Exeter are a really good team and we just know that we can’t afford to give them that amount of field position or time with the ball again otherwise they are going to score plenty of points. “That pick-and-go game is hard to play against. We only managed to stop it once today so we need to take a look at that and work hard in the week.
“But we don’t mind being underdogs at all; we beat them on our patch earlier in the season and if we do execute our game-plan properly and get it right then we can beat anyone.” Like Lawes, Saints Director of Rugby Chris Boyd is aware of the challenge facing his side against the Chiefs, who are preparing for a fourth successive semi-final appearance. “We come back here to play these guys and there’s no surprises or secrets - we know what we’re going to have to deal with and we’re going to do our best to do that. “The power came on from them in the last 15 minutes of that first half. We controlled the first 25 minutes and didn’t let them get into the game. They got into the game through our errors and ill-discipline. They scrum you to death, put it to the corner and so it goes on. “We beat them at home at Christmas time with a really good, disciplined and accurate performances. If we’re not disciplined and accurate next week, we’ll come here and get a spanking. “But if we get our game right, we’re in with a chance. We’ve got to play our game and we have to have the ball to do that. We’ve got to be better off the source of ball that we’ll get.”
EXETER CHIEFS VS NORTHAMPTON SAINTS
51
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