The Boys Are Back

By Mark Stevens

Exeter Chiefs head coach Rob Baxter welcomed back the majority of his playing squad for the first day of pre-season.

Among those on show were summer signings Thomas Waldrom, Mitch Lees, Ryan Caldwell and Tomas Francis, whilst there was the encouraging sight of Brett Sturgess, Jack Nowell and Damian Welch all taking part after recent injuries.

The Chiefs will undergo some intense training ahead of what promises to be another big season ahead for the reigning LV= Cup champions.

Head of Strength and Conditioning Mark Twiggs will oversee all the training during the pre-season programme.

Henry Slade, Dave Ewers, Sam Hill and newcomer Adam Hughes are due to report back next week, whilst those on international duty will have an extended break before meeting up with their club-mates.

Below, club photographer Phil Mingo of Pinnacle Photo Agency took some stunning images of the boys working hard at the University of Exeter.

Ali Hepher and Rob Baxter talk tactics

Newcomer Ryan Caldwell in action

Summer signing Tomas Francis runs with ball in hand

Academy youngster Jack Innard on the run

Speedster Matt Jess back in pre-season training

Safe hands from new signing Mitch Lees

Dave Lewis looks to get the ball away

Jack Nowell takes it easy on the bike

Jack Oulton is one of a number of highly-rated youngsters at the club

Experience comes in the form of Thomas Waldrom, who has joined from Leicester Tigers

 

Ian Whitten looks to get the better of Will Chudley in training