Exeter boss Tony Rowe points finger of blame amid club crisis

Tony Rowe hopes Exeter will put on a united front now that Director of Rugby Rob Baxter has returned to a hands-on coaching role.

As first revealed on RugbyPass by Neil Fissler, Head Coach Rob Hunter, who was only four games into his tenure, and the man he succeeded, Ali Hepher, were stood down from their duties following last weekend’s record Premiership defeat at the hands of Gloucester.

Rowe entered the dressing room after that 79-17 debacle and let rip, letting it be known that the non-performance at Kingsholm wasn’t what he expected from a Chiefs side.

A club statement said: “Following a challenging run of results that have fallen short of the high expectations held by everyone connected to Exeter Rugby Club, decisive action is being taken to put the team firmly back on track.

“As part of a broader reset within the rugby department, Exeter Chiefs can confirm that director of rugby Rob Baxter will be stepping back into a more hands-on coaching role, bringing with him the leadership, vision, and clarity that have underpinned the club’s greatest successes.”

Addressing the situation head-on, CEO and chairman Tony Rowe CBE commented: “There has been a clear disconnect between the playing squad and the coaching staff, and it is something we simply cannot allow to continue. Exeter Rugby Club is built on togetherness, hard work and shared standards, and right now, those foundations need reinforcing.

“Rob is the right person to bring everyone back onto the same page to ensure that every player and coach is working towards the same goals. His understanding of what it takes to build a winning culture, foster unity, and develop players to their full potential is unrivalled in the club’s history.”

Exeter are reviewing their coaching group moving forward, so quite where this leaves Dave Walder, remains to be seen. Walder, who recently worked with England U20s, is reported to have agreed terms to replace Hepher as backs and attack coach.

“This is about more than just responding to results,” Rowe added. “It’s about re-establishing who we are and where we’re going. We’ve faced challenges before, and each time we’ve come back stronger. With Rob playing a more active coaching role again, we are confident this is the first step in writing the next successful chapter of the Exeter Chiefs story.

“I would also like to extend a heartfelt thanks to supporters for their unwavering loyalty and passion throughout the season. The bond between the team and the fans has always been a cornerstone of the club’s success, and that unity will be more important than ever as the Chiefs look to build momentum heading into the future.”