Len Ikitau has touched down at Sandy Park, and the buzz is palpable as he prepares to slot into an Exeter Chiefs backline that could be the most formidable in the club's history. With Henry Slade and Immanuel Feyi-Waboso already in place, the addition of the Wallabies standout is expected to elevate the team’s play to new heights. After impressing in the Rugby Championship and against the British and Irish Lions, Ikitau's arrival in the South West has fans and pundits alike dreaming of a powerhouse combination.
Exeter Chiefs' director of rugby, Rob Baxter, is already predicting big things, hinting at the potential for this group to become legends. "They’ve got the potential to be as good as any combo we’ve put together," Baxter stated, his optimism reflecting the high expectations surrounding the team.
"You don’t have to be a genius to look at the group we’ve had there training today and the two games we’ve had and go ‘this just looks better than last season’ – you can just see that,"
Despite the high likelihood of Ikitau not featuring in the upcoming PREM clash against Bristol Bears, his integration into the team has already begun, promising thrilling times ahead. The Chiefs’ backline is shaping up impressively with Stephen Varney, a recent addition from Vannes, bringing stability at scrum-half, while Harvey Skinner, coming off a confidence-boosting performance against Newcastle Red Bulls, looks set to solidify his position at fly-half.
On the wings, Paul Brown-Bampoe continues to develop his explosive game, with an impressive average of 81.5 metres per game this season, complemented by the world-class talents of Feyi-Waboso. The latter's freedom to roam from his wing under the new system has been a game-changer, racking up an average of 83.5 metres per game.
The anticipated midfield partnership of Ikitau and Slade is particularly exciting, with both players expected to flourish under Dave Walder’s system. Slade, a seasoned player for the Chiefs, seems rejuvenated and ready to exploit his playmaking prowess to its fullest.
"Without doubt, it’s an exciting group to be working with right now. We’re looking at a group at the minute where we can go ‘right, we can be competitive every single game we play home and away’ and that always starts an exciting season for us,"
As Exeter Chiefs look to a season filled with potential, the blend of seasoned skill and fresh talent in their backline could indeed be the formula for unprecedented success. The return of Josh Hodge and Tommy Wyatt from injuries will only bolster this dynamic squad further, ensuring depth and versatility across the lineup.
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Len Ikitau has touched down at Sandy Park, and the buzz is palpable as he prepares to slot into an Exeter Chiefs backline that could be the most formidable in the club's history. With Henry Slade and Immanuel Feyi-Waboso already in place, the addition of the Wallabies standout is expected to elevate the team’s play to new heights. After impressing in the Rugby Championship and against the British and Irish Lions, Ikitau's arrival in the South West has fans and pundits alike dreaming of a powerhouse combination.
Exeter Chiefs' director of rugby, Rob Baxter, is already predicting big things, hinting at the potential for this group to become legends. "They’ve got the potential to be as good as any combo we’ve put together," Baxter stated, his optimism reflecting the high expectations surrounding the team.
"You don’t have to be a genius to look at the group we’ve had there training today and the two games we’ve had and go ‘this just looks better than last season’ – you can just see that,"
Despite the high likelihood of Ikitau not featuring in the upcoming PREM clash against Bristol Bears, his integration into the team has already begun, promising thrilling times ahead. The Chiefs’ backline is shaping up impressively with Stephen Varney, a recent addition from Vannes, bringing stability at scrum-half, while Harvey Skinner, coming off a confidence-boosting performance against Newcastle Red Bulls, looks set to solidify his position at fly-half.
On the wings, Paul Brown-Bampoe continues to develop his explosive game, with an impressive average of 81.5 metres per game this season, complemented by the world-class talents of Feyi-Waboso. The latter's freedom to roam from his wing under the new system has been a game-changer, racking up an average of 83.5 metres per game.
The anticipated midfield partnership of Ikitau and Slade is particularly exciting, with both players expected to flourish under Dave Walder’s system. Slade, a seasoned player for the Chiefs, seems rejuvenated and ready to exploit his playmaking prowess to its fullest.
"Without doubt, it’s an exciting group to be working with right now. We’re looking at a group at the minute where we can go ‘right, we can be competitive every single game we play home and away’ and that always starts an exciting season for us,"
As Exeter Chiefs look to a season filled with potential, the blend of seasoned skill and fresh talent in their backline could indeed be the formula for unprecedented success. The return of Josh Hodge and Tommy Wyatt from injuries will only bolster this dynamic squad further, ensuring depth and versatility across the lineup.