The plight of Worcester has dominated a pre-season in England that has seen less transfer activity than I can remember for a long time but the Gallagher Premiership remains as intriguing and competitive as ever.
Will Witty has explained why he quit Exeter for the chance to join Perpignan in the Top 14. The 27-year-old bailed out of the Chiefs following three seasons under Rob Baxter.
Exeter have staged a coup by capturing the signature of Wallabies loosehead Scott Sio on an unspecified length long-term deal from the Brumbies.
Exeter boss Rob Baxter has suggested that further signings could be made by the Gallagher Premiership club before the new season gets going with their September 10 fixture at home to defending champions Leicester.
Rob Baxter has slotted England internationals Henry Slade and Sam Simmonds straight back into his Exeter team following the completion of the Six Nations last weekend, but there is no return for Scotland pair Stuart Hogg and Sam Skinner.
The Chiefs have now lost three of their first four home games in this season’s Gallagher Premiership.
Gloucester’s unbeaten league run of four games came to a halt as Exeter’s second-half rally proved decisive in a 16-13 Gallagher Premiership victory.
Rob Baxter has named his Exeter Chiefs side for a Gallagher Premiership bounce-back mission when they take on Gloucester this weekend.
London Irish registered their first victory of the season as the recent resurgence by Exeter in the Premiership stalled at Sandy Park.
