Academy side to face Redruth

By Mark Stevens

Rob Baxter's plan to have a look at Sireli Naqelevuki as a potential forward will be given it's first outing this evening as he features in an Exeter Chiefs Academy side that travels to Redruth for a pre-season friendly (7pm).

The Chiefs head coach revealed last week that the club are looking at utilising the powerful Fijian international up front this season and tonight the 33-year-old will be given his chance to shine.

Now into his fifth season with the Devon club, the former Stormers star has previously been used primarily as either a winger or centre by Baxter. However, having been restricted to just six first team appearances last season, the Chiefs are looking at different options of making the most of the experienced Naqelevuki.

He is the stand-out name in a youthful Academy line-up that will be tackling not only the Reds tonight, but also Exmouth (August 19) and the Cornish All Blacks (August 26).

CHIEFS ACADEMY SIDE TO FACE REDRUTH

1 Dan Pullinger
2 Jack Innard
3 Jack Stanley
4 Ed Holmes
5 Josh Caulfield
6 Sireli Naqelevuki
7 Harry Ledger
8 Ben King
9 Jack Maunder
10 Laurence May
11 Adam Worth
12 Tom Holdsworth
13 Ned Warne
14 Jack Faulkner
15 Charlie Wicks

16 Billy Keast
17 Paul Davis
18 George Beale
19 George Shirlaw
20 Bradley Howe
21 Sam Waltier
22 Aaron Struminski
23 Noah Sixton
24 Jack Owlett
25 Alex Webb