Arnott primed for Cup defence

Reigning LV= Cup champions Exeter Chiefs may be a prized scalp in this year's competition, but winger Jack Arnott insists there is more than enough young talent at the club to retain their title.

The 21-year-old made his Chiefs debut in the LV= Cup against Wasps in 2012 and helped his side secure a 19-5 triumph over Harlequins in the first round of last year's tournament.

Yet a serious shoulder injury then curtailed Arnott's season and prevented him from playing any further part as Exeter claimed their first major trophy with a 15-8 victory over Northampton Saints in the final.

The winger capped a return to full fitness in time for the 2014/15 campaign by scoring a try (pictured) with his first touch on his Aviva Premiership Rugby debut against London Welsh in September.

And with Exeter Braves enjoying a successful start to the A League season with three wins out of four, Arnott is confident his fellow young stars will transfer their form to the LV= Cup.

"It's a great opportunity to play first-team rugby and they don't come around very often for me, especially when the guys have been playing so well," he said. "It's a fantastic chance to put down a marker and get a lot more experience along the way so it's something many of the younger lads really look forward to.

"In the back row, we have Sam Simmonds who is a really big talent and Sam Skinner has captained the Braves and led us through those games in impressive fashion. All the boys here are fantastic though and the coaching staff are always on hand for any problems that we have.

"Obviously my goal is to break into the Premiership side by the end of the season but we've got two weeks of LV= Cup action first so that's my main focus and whatever comes after that is a bonus."

Although Arnott is a product of the Exeter academy system, the winger has also added to his development away from Sandy Park through dual registration with Championship side Plymouth Albion.

Yet the former England Under-20 international admits there is no replacement for the chance to run out in front of a raucous home crowd, starting with the visit of Gloucester Rugby tomorrow (3pm).

"It's brilliant to get away from Exeter for a bit and see how other people are doing it at Plymouth," he added. "To be playing and getting the game time that all young players need is the biggest thing and the Championship is definitely a tough, physical league so it's a good place to learn.

"The crowd sizes are bigger for first-team games at Sandy Park and that gives you a boost although we make sure as a group that we get ourselves up for every game. It's always great playing at home - we've got good travelling support but the home fans are something extra special and can be the 16th man."