From the moment he could run, he chased after the oval ball, honing his skills on the muddy fields of local clubs, dreaming of the day he would don the famous jersey of the Chiefs.
And that day did come. Maunder rising through the ranks at Sandy Park, his talent evident to all who watched him play. He became a fixture in the Chiefs’ line-up, his name etched in the annals of the club’s history with every try, every tackle, every game he played.
Part and parcel of the club’s double-winning side of 2020, a Premiership winner in 2017, as well as an England international, who would go on to feature 142 times for his hometown club, it was quite the ride for the gifted scrum-half.
But life, like the game of rugby itself, is unpredictable. Sometimes the winds of change blow unexpectedly, altering the course of one’s journey.
For the 26-year-old that change in direction came last summer when, six years after making his debut for the Chiefs, he was one of a number of long-standing stars who bid a fond farewell.
Esta historia es de la edición March 31, 2024 de The Rugby Paper.
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Esta historia es de la edición March 31, 2024 de The Rugby Paper.
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Sleightholme shows he has pace to burn
OLLIE Sleightholme recently clocked his fastest sprint time and is racing to cement his spot as an England starter.
McGoverne says playing for Chiefs is her priority
EXETER fly-half Olivia McGoverne has opted for club over country which will rule her out of contention for New Zealand’s World Cup bid in 2025.
Trinity aim to get the culture right
HIGH-FLYING Trinity have made a remarkable turnaround this season after narrowly avoiding relegation last term, heading into this weekend unbeaten and are now eyeing up promotion from Level 7.
YOUNG GUNS
Louie Gulley experienced the environment of England U20s’ World Championship triumph up close this summerand now has a burning desire to become an age-grade star. The 19-year-old Exeter Chiefs hooker was part of Mark Mapletoft’s squad but didn’t manage to make an appearance during the tournament.
The Cherry & Whites lay down marker over Lucs
CAMBORNE maintained their lead at the top of the table with a bonus-point win against their nearest challengers in a pulsating game.
A brace from Botterill is key to victory for Esher
A highly entertaining and enthralling contest between two sides fighting at the foot of the table was eventually won by Esher after the lead had changed no less than seven times throughout an absorbing afternoon.
Chiefs in hunt for new investment
TONY Rowe has confirmed the search for new investors into Exeter Chiefs has begun as he looks to safeguard the longterm future of the Premiership club.
McParland keen to shine for England A
NORTHAMPTON scrum-half Archie McParland feels he has returned a better player following a nasty injury that denied him a World Cup winners medal and is now ready to fly into a new opportunity with England A.
Undercard get chance to show their A-game
ENGLAND’S A team today get their first major work-out after being resurrected earlier this year when Australia’s undercard provide the opposition at The Stoop.
England look like a clueless rabble
I WATCHED with a growing sense of bewilderment as England yet again took to the field against Australia looking to all intents and purpose as if they had just been introduced to each other on the coach into Twickenham.