That’s why ahead of the new 2024/25 season, Rob Baxter has bolstered his Exeter squad with not just one, but two, as the Chiefs look to make their mark both domestically and in Europe.
Last season, Ethan Roots was added to the playing roster at Sandy Park, the imposing backrow forward drafted in from the Ospreys to help fill the sizeable void of the departed Dave Ewers.
Not much was known about the Auckland-born ace at that time, but that changed within months as he quickly settled into his new surroundings in Devon.
His on-field performances were certainly impressive, helping the Chiefs to claim some notable early scalps, including the likes of Saracens, Sale Sharks and Bristol Bears, while in Europe Toulon were also taken down on their own patch.
Baxter was glowing in his praise of his latest acquisition, but so too was England head coach Steve Borthwick, who not only called the player into his training squad, but handed him the first of his four Test caps in the Six Nations clash with Italy in January.
A man of the match display in Rome underlined his rapid growth, which has continued to flourish during the course of this year.
Esta historia es de la edición September 08, 2024 de The Rugby Paper.
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Esta historia es de la edición September 08, 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.
