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.
Bu hikaye The Rugby Paper dergisinin September 08, 2024 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Giriş Yap
Bu hikaye The Rugby Paper dergisinin September 08, 2024 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Giriş Yap
England can find a little bit of cheer
SO HERE we are on the final day of England’s autumn international series with all of us hoping and expecting Steve Borthwick’s team to win today after three weeks of bitter disappointment.
Stop messing with Marcus - Campese
DAVID Campese believes England are going backwards under Steve Borthwick, who is ‘messing around’ with talisman Marcus Smith.
Being a Lion was the highlight of my career
I PLAYED 19 games and scored 219 points for the Lions, on the tours to South Africa in 1968 and New Zealand in 1971, but I never played in a Test and that was fair enough.
Cook's crew not fazed as they eye tilt at top half
THERE appear to be few signs of second season syndrome at Westcombe Park as captain Nick Cook reveals the group aren’t even contemplating the threat of relegation and are instead targeting a top-half finish.
Forwards pack a punch for the Reds
OLD Redcliffians produced a proud defensive effort to take a bonus-point win.
Tom 'Ailes' the achievements of inspirational skipper Riley
SEDGLEY Park No. 8 Tom Ailes says his team relish the competitive nature of National One and is confident the Tigers can rectify their rocky start to the season in weeks to come.
Strachan confident Ampthill will be firing again soon
FRASER Strachan is determined to put Ampthill’s leaky defensive showings behind them and gain some much needed confidence in the run up to Christmas.
It's a whole new ball game for Rigg
WILL Rigg’s ambition was to become a professional cricketer but it is the oval ball rather than The Oval that is his driver now.
Scarratt leads the way for Lightning
LOUGHBOROUGH won a wet and windy East Midlands Derby after having the bonus point in the bag by half-time.
Becconsall: We need to release pressure
WILL Becconsall says Exeter are not spooked by the threat of relegation as they look to turn around their Premiership campaign after starting with six straight defeats.
