Rob Baxter, Exeter Chiefs’ director of rugby, is seeing his team transforming from last year's strugglers to this season's potential leaders. After a woeful previous season parked at the bottom, the Chiefs could ascend to the pinnacle of the PREM standings if they outplay Saracens this weekend and other results tilt in their favor. This resurgence is no fluke; it's the product of a rigorously tweaked strategy and some astute signings that are starting to gel.
“Without doubt, things feel a lot more positive on the playing front, results front and where we stand in the competitions,” Baxter pointed out, adding a sharp focus on what's immediately ahead. “We’re in a scenario now where dropping away from the top four would be disappointing. It’s great we’re there, but we’ve got something to fight for.” The Chiefs have indeed been hard at work, not only reclaiming their former glory but also integrating impactful new players into their ranks.
A refreshed coaching strategy has seen Baxter take a more hands-on role, reverting to the foundational tactics that once rocketed the Chiefs from league newcomers to champions. New attack coach, Dave Walder, has been instrumental, orchestrating an exciting backline that’s hitting all the right notes. Off-season recruitment was equally aggressive, roping in talents like Tom Hooper, Len Ikitau, Joseph Dweba, Andrea Zambonin, Stephen Varney, Bachuki Tchumbadze, and Julian Heaven.
“Right here and now, I’m definitely seeing the right foundations for us to build from. That’s the important bit for me, it’s not necessarily that we’re second in the (PREM) table, but there’s genuine foundations for what looks like a good team coming,”
Baxter expressed. His vision extends beyond mere standings; it's about crafting a team that consistently performs and evolves. The ethos of hard graft during the preseason has been a cornerstone for this philosophy, ensuring every player is primed to contribute significantly to the team’s dynamics.
Ethan Roots, fresh from signing a new two-year deal, encapsulated the team's fighting spirit. “No matter who takes the pitch or who we’re up against – even if it’s a bunch of bloody aliens or whatever it is – they’re going to have to scrap and fight for every inch of the pitch and point they get. There are no easy wins.” This grit, born from last season's hardships, has been a catalyst for the team's current form.
The blend of seasoned signings and burgeoning talent has forged a squad that not only dreams of topping the table at Christmas—a feat last achieved in 2018—but also has the resilience and unity to turn those dreams into reality. With the team's morale high and momentum building, the Chiefs are not just winning; they're evolving into a formidable force, ready to tackle whatever challenges come their way.
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Rob Baxter, Exeter Chiefs’ director of rugby, is seeing his team transforming from last year's strugglers to this season's potential leaders. After a woeful previous season parked at the bottom, the Chiefs could ascend to the pinnacle of the PREM standings if they outplay Saracens this weekend and other results tilt in their favor. This resurgence is no fluke; it's the product of a rigorously tweaked strategy and some astute signings that are starting to gel.
“Without doubt, things feel a lot more positive on the playing front, results front and where we stand in the competitions,” Baxter pointed out, adding a sharp focus on what's immediately ahead. “We’re in a scenario now where dropping away from the top four would be disappointing. It’s great we’re there, but we’ve got something to fight for.” The Chiefs have indeed been hard at work, not only reclaiming their former glory but also integrating impactful new players into their ranks.
A refreshed coaching strategy has seen Baxter take a more hands-on role, reverting to the foundational tactics that once rocketed the Chiefs from league newcomers to champions. New attack coach, Dave Walder, has been instrumental, orchestrating an exciting backline that’s hitting all the right notes. Off-season recruitment was equally aggressive, roping in talents like Tom Hooper, Len Ikitau, Joseph Dweba, Andrea Zambonin, Stephen Varney, Bachuki Tchumbadze, and Julian Heaven.
“Right here and now, I’m definitely seeing the right foundations for us to build from. That’s the important bit for me, it’s not necessarily that we’re second in the (PREM) table, but there’s genuine foundations for what looks like a good team coming,”
Baxter expressed. His vision extends beyond mere standings; it's about crafting a team that consistently performs and evolves. The ethos of hard graft during the preseason has been a cornerstone for this philosophy, ensuring every player is primed to contribute significantly to the team’s dynamics.
Ethan Roots, fresh from signing a new two-year deal, encapsulated the team's fighting spirit. “No matter who takes the pitch or who we’re up against – even if it’s a bunch of bloody aliens or whatever it is – they’re going to have to scrap and fight for every inch of the pitch and point they get. There are no easy wins.” This grit, born from last season's hardships, has been a catalyst for the team's current form.
The blend of seasoned signings and burgeoning talent has forged a squad that not only dreams of topping the table at Christmas—a feat last achieved in 2018—but also has the resilience and unity to turn those dreams into reality. With the team's morale high and momentum building, the Chiefs are not just winning; they're evolving into a formidable force, ready to tackle whatever challenges come their way.