Exeter Chiefs Aim for Redemption Against Gloucester After Record Loss
A year after suffering a devastating 79-17 defeat to Gloucester, Exeter Chiefs return to Kingsholm with hopes of leaving their worst season behind. The humiliating match, which saw Exeter concede 13 tries in just 69 minutes, prompted significant changes at the club, including the departure of long-serving coaches Rob Hunter and Ali Hepher. Rob Baxter, Exeter's director of rugby, reflected on the lasting impact of that loss, stating, "It's still fresh in my mind... we've got to make sure that doesn't happen again." The Chiefs were overwhelmed early, trailing 43-7 at halftime after a series of first-half tries from Gloucester, who achieved their biggest-ever league win. The defeat also highlighted a poor European campaign, culminating in a 69-17 loss to Bordeaux, marking Exeter's record low in European competition. Baxter emphasized the need for honesty in addressing the team's issues, noting that confronting the negatives was essential to rebuilding the squad's morale. In the aftermath, Exeter underwent a major overhaul, hiring new coaches and bringing in key players like Len Ikitau and Tom Hooper. This transformation appears to be paying off, as the team currently sits fourth in the league and has reached the semi-finals of the European Challenge Cup. Baxter acknowledged that while the team feels better than last season, they still have work to do to maintain consistency. As they prepare to face Gloucester again, the match carries less weight than the infamous encounter in April 2025, marking a pivotal moment in Exeter's recent history.
Source: BBC Sport - 2026-04-24