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Exeter join away fans segregation debate, name team for Newcastle

By Liam Heagney
The Exeter team before last month's home game versus Leicester (Photo by Harry Trump/Getty Images)

Two-time champions Exeter Chiefs have weighed in on the recent debate about segregating away fans at Gallagher Premiership matches. The Devon-based club, who have been part of the English top flight since 2010, have expressed alarm that steps could be taken to prevent fans from different clubs mingling freely at matches, including at Sandy Park.

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A statement read: “Following reporting of away ends at Premiership rugby matches, Exeter Rugby Club would like to clarify our position on this subject. It has never been discussed nor suggested that fans should be segregated at matches.

“The integration of two groups of supporters is one of the cornerstones of our sport, and there is no plan that would endanger this key value.

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“Seeing visiting fans from across the country, enjoying a famous Sandy Park pasty and a pint with our own home supporters is one of the great experiences on a match day and under no circumstances will this be jeopardised.

“The only discussions into which we have entered, are suggestions that we make it easier for supporter groups to purchase tickets in a block so that they might enjoy the atmosphere collectively and sit together if they should choose to do so.”

Fixture
Gallagher Premiership
Newcastle
14:45
18 Oct 24
Exeter Chiefs
All Stats and Data

Exeter chairman/CEO Tony Rowe added: “Here at Exeter, we will never allow fans to be segregated. I understand the concerns of supporters who have been alarmed at this, but I would like to assure everyone that this has never been a discussion on the table.

“One of the highlights of any rugby match day experience is to integrate with fans from the opposing team, sharing a beer and a conversation about the match, we will continue to celebrate and facilitate this great tradition.”

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Winless after four rounds of matches in the 2024/25 Premiership, Exeter are at bottom club Newcastle on Friday night with an XV showing just one change from last weekend’s high scoring Sandy Park loss to Bristol. Ethan Roots will start at blindside with Jacques Vermeulen missing out.

EXETER (vs Newcastle, Friday): 15. Josh Hodge; 14. Immanuel Feyi-Waboso, 13. Olly Woodburn, 12. Joe Hawkins, 11. Paul Brown-Bampoe; 10. Harvey Skinner, 9. Sam Maunder; 1. Scott Sio, 2. Jack Yeandle (capt), 3. Marcus Street, 4. Rusi Tuima, 5. Franco Molina, 6. Ethan Roots, 7. Richard Capstick, 8. Ross Vintcent. Reps: 16. Jack Innard, 17. Kwenzo Blose, 18. Josh Iosefa-Scott, 19. Christ Tshiunza, 20. Greg Fisilau, 21. Tom Cairns, 22. Will Haydon-Wood, 23. Ben Hammersley.

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Women’s Rugby World Cup England 2025 ticket application opens 5 November (22 October for Mastercard holders). Register your interest now.

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Nickers 1 hour ago
Injuries, not innovation, are driving change in Scott Robertson’s All Blacks

Blackadder hardly played Super Rugby, and is always injured, and was not match fit. His inclusion was pure provincial bias, as was talking him up like he was the player of the match after the game when he was good at best. The fact that he was not fit is evidenced by the fact he sustained two more serious injuries since he managed 2 games for the ABs. Havili is only in your top 10 midfielders if you support the Crusaders. His inclusion is pure provincial bias. He is no further ahead or dominant with his game than he was when he was dropped by Foster. Fihaki over Stevenson to join the squad - provincial bias. Reece had a great SR season - he was virtually the only player that got into the ABs team based on SR form. He has been mediocre at best though, as he always has been for the ABs, but continues to get selected. George Bell - promising player? Yes. 3rd best hooker in the country - totally unproven. Crusader? Check.


You can't look at the results we have had this season, and the way we have played and say with a straight face that the team isn't packed with mediocrity. But rather than looking to the players who are actually playing well, they wheel out the same players that have been poor under the two previous coaching regimes and not done anything to earn their place back in the team other than play for the right SR team. Then there are others like Sotutu who had dominant SR seasons who don't even get a look in.


I have come to understand that there are many people who simply do not believe Robertson can do anything wrong, and no amount of poor performances will convince them that their favourite players are not up to it at international level.

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