The kids are alright

Exeter Chiefs captain Dean Mumm will watch from the Kassam Stadium stands when his team's new Aviva Premiership season kicks off against London Welsh on Sunday, but has faith in his young team-mates to begin with a bang.

The former Australia lock underwent surgery on his shoulder over the summer and is not fit enough to lead out the reigning LV= Cup holders this weekend.

It means a youthful looking side will be left to battle against the Aviva Premiership new boys. But, despite some of the squad's younger players having displayed a rawness in pre-season training, the 30-year-old, believes a 100 per cent record in three friendlies is evidence enough that it will be alright on the night.

He said: "They're definitely still young and some of the things they do off the field you think, 'what are they doing?'

"But when it comes to what they're doing on the field, they will very much be key players for us, the spotlight was also on them last year.

"We're excited about what they can do with a year under their belt and a little bit more experience.

"Hopefully with that comes the quality of decision to be made at the right time in the right place, so fingers crossed we can reap some dividends from them. In terms of quality and talent we've got plenty down here.

"You've got to assume London Welsh will be really good. When you win any championship you come off with a certain momentum within the club and the last time they played, they played very well and got promotion.

"They'll be feeling good about themselves and this is also the second time they've won promotion in three years. They struggled last time, so how they approach this season will be very different.

"They've recruited heavily - how that team will meld together will be very interesting to see. There's plenty of quality of there, plenty of experience with Olly Barkley, Piri Weepu and others, so they've got the ability to pull out a very strong team. We won't be underestimating them at all, particularly playing away."

Despite finishing the season with silverware secured, the Chiefs paid for an inconsistent Aviva Premiership campaign with an eighth-place finish.

It means they will be missing from the elite European rugby competition, instead playing in the European Rugby Challenge Cup.

Director of rugby Rob Baxter has brought eight new faces to Sandy Park this summer, including experienced stars such as Chrysander Botha, Ryan Caldwell, Moray Low and Thomas Waldrom (pictured left).

And Mumm believes the Chiefs must look to improve on all fronts.

He added: "Last season was a little bit bittersweet. Without a doubt winning the LV= Cup and having a home final were huge highlights and ones you can never underestimate. We have great memories individually and as a team.

"At the same time the tail-end of the season probably wasn't as sharp as we would have liked, so to come eighth and miss out on the top tier of Europe - something we'd played in the previous two years - was disappointing for us.

"This year, we certainly want to challenge to return there and to be competitive in all competitions that we play in. It'll be interesting to see how it pans out."