Chiefs are shaping up nicely

By Mark Stevens

Dean Mumm may have to sit out the opening weeks of the new Aviva Premiership season, but the talented Australian insists things are shaping up nicely for the Exeter Chiefs.

Shoulder surgery during the summer means the 30-year-old is unlikely to be available for action until October, but the Chiefs captain will still have a role to play as Rob Baxter’s side make their final preparations ahead of the big kick-off.

The Chiefs open their Premiership campaign on Sunday, September 7 against newly-promoted London Welsh and follow it up it with a testing home encounter at the new-look Sandy Park just six days later.

Although disappointed to be missing both those games, Mumm has been encouraged by the work put in by Baxter’s squad during the current pre-season.

So far both Cardiff Blues and Ulster have been seen off in successive weeks and tomorrow the Chiefs wrap up their programme with a trip to Championship side Worcester Warriors at Sixways (7.30pm).

“It’s all very exciting,” said Mumm at this week’s Premiership launch at Twickenham Stadium. “The great thing of rugby is there is always the pre-season optimism from every club. We’re no different in that respect because we go into the new season with high spirits, feeling fit and feeling good.

“Pre-season has been good for us so far and we’ve picked up two very good wins against two top Pro12 sides on the road. The squad Rob has put together is looking strong, we’ve recruited well and all the guys are looking forward to getting things going now.”

With eight new arrivals at Sandy Park, including leading names such as Thomas Waldrom, Moray Low and Chrysander Botha, Mumm believes there is not only genuine competition for places across the board, but there is significant strength in depth within the Exeter ranks.

“Rob has again done a great job in terms of recruiting guys into the squad,” added Mumm, who will be leading the Chiefs for a second year running. “Each year he does a lot of work in making sure he brings in a player that not only adds to things on the pitch, but who will also fit into the culture we have at the club.

“As a club it’s massive that we get that mix right as it allows you to set up a sustainable culture that hopefully brings success. Last year we were lucky enough to win our first-ever trophy when we won the LV= Cup, but now we’ve got to build on that.

“Guys like Thomas Waldrom (pictured), Moray Low and Chrysander have played at the top level of the game, whilst people like Mitch Lees and Tomas Francis have come up from the Championship and they’ve shown already they are capable of playing at this level.

“I think having those different elements, together with what we already have within the club, is a great mix to have and hopefully we’ll be able to kick on again this season.”

Certainly the Chiefs will need to be at their best this term as Mumm believes the forthcoming campaign promises to be the toughest yet.

“Last year was extremely competitive,” he added. “Northampton and Saracens aside, there wasn’t a huge amount to choose between those in third and four and those who finished eighth and ninth. I think what we saw a lot of last season was that any side could beat any other on it’s day.

“Again that won’t change too much this season, but I do think the squads are a lot stronger right across the board. London Welsh have recruited very well and they’ll certainly be tough opposition first up.

“Right now they are a bit of an unknown quantity because of all the changes they’ve made, but the players they have brought in - guys like Weepu and Barkley - they are proven players, so it will be interesting to see how they gel.”