Rowe to receive Freedom of Exeter

By Mark Stevens

Exeter Rugby Club chairman and chief executive, Tony Rowe OBE, will be given the Freedom of the City of Exeter tomorrow and celebrate afterwards by driving a flock of sheep through the city centre!

Mr Rowe, who has been involved with the Chiefs for over 20 years, is to be honoured for his outstanding services to rugby union, which includes the promotion of Exeter around the globe.

In the years since his association with the Devon club, Mr Rowe has seen the Chiefs go from strength to strength, gaining promotion into the Aviva Premiership in 2010 and winning their first piece of major silverware in March 2014 when they defeated rivals Northampton Saints to lift the LV= Cup.

As well as being the driving force behind the Chiefs, the Exeter-based businessman has also been at the heart of bringing the Rugby World Cup to the city, which will host three fixtures during this autumn's tournament.

Freedom of the City is an honorary position which the City Council can bestow on anyone who has, in its opinion, undertaken something which is outstanding or has helped enhance the reputation of the city.

Tomorrow's ceremony takes place at Exeter's historic Guildhall at 12 noon. Afterwards, at around 12.45pm, Mr Rowe will drive a flock of sheep wearing flags of the countries competing at Sandy Park during Rugby World Cup 2015 from Dix's Field into Princesshay and down Exeter's High Street.