As the Exeter Chiefs gear up for the next PREM Rugby campaign under the guidance of Rob Baxter, their Director of Rugby, and Dafydd Jenkins, the team captain, they reflect on a season that, against all odds, ended in a dramatic upswing. Just a year ago, mentioning a finals appearance following a series of devastating defeats would have seemed fanciful to even their most ardent fans.
Indeed, the 2025/26 season was fraught with challenges from the very start, marked by a stinging loss to Leicester Tigers and a sequence of eight consecutive defeats. Amid these trials, there was a coaching upheaval that saw significant departures from the coaching staff. However, despite a disappointing exit in the Premiership Rugby Cup final against a dominant Bath squad, the seeds of resilience were sown.
Paul Brown-Bampoe, a winger for the team, expressed a sentiment of 'revenge' that seemed to encapsulate the mood in the team. Director Baxter had modestly promised competitiveness, a vow that was delivered with aplomb, as evidenced by a strong mid-season rally that catapulted them back into playoff contention for the first time since 2021.
"We had a successful season in a lot of ways. To lose in the final was disappointing, but we had a good season and I probably had a good off-season. I didn’t overfocus on the final; I said to myself that I wasn’t going to spend hours pouring over it because I’ve done that before and it burns into your mind too much."
Baxter emphasized the strategic approach for the upcoming season, focusing on honing what worked well. "We’re a team that’s very early on its path to being a successful side, I hope," he remarked, signaling a focus on gradual improvement rather than a complete overhaul.
There’s a recognition that past success doesn’t guarantee future glory. Despite a history of reaching finals, the shifting dynamics of the league—with five different champions in as many years—pose a significant challenge. Yet, the resolve within the team remains undeterred.
"There’s no other way around it, we’re going into it to win it. We’re going to do everything we can to put ourselves in the best possible scenario at the end of the season," said Jenkins, setting a clear and ambitious target.
Baxter also acknowledged that refinement rather than reinvention of their gameplay is the current strategy. They continue to leverage the youthful energy of the squad, being one of the youngest in the league last season, which promises significant growth potential. "The more of our strengths we can turn into super-strengths, that’s the way you become a title-winning team," he added.
Ultimately, the Exeter Chiefs' narrative this season is one of redemption and resilience. With foundational strategies being reinforced and a clear vision for victory, they step into the new season not just to compete, but to conquer. The fires of past disappointments have forged a stronger, more determined squad ready to claim their place at the top.
