Past Players' Day is huge success

[break]

By Mark Stevens
14/3/2016

Over 120 former Exeter Rugby Club players watched the current incumbents continue their high-flying efforts in the Aviva Premiership with victory against Newcastle Falcons last weekend.

The gathering of famous names of yesteryear was all part of the club's annual Past Players' Day, which this year included 12 past captains gathering for a pre-match carvery and then post-match pint whilst watching the England versus Wales clash in the RBS Six Nations Championship.

Among those to gather was former England international and past club president Dick Manley, whose playing career dates back to the 1950s, right through to modern-day times and the club's record appearance holder Richard Baxter.

Past player John Lockyer, who these days is part of Radio Devon's match-day commentary team for all Exeter fixtures, was part of the gathering and hailed what was the big gathering to date.

"It was brilliant to see so many former players in one place," said Lockyer. "With good old Dick Manley in attendance it meant we had players dating back from every decade until the 1950s, which was simply fantastic.

"I know for a few of them it's the first time they've been to Sandy Park and seen a game, but it was great to relive old times and catch up with one or two people that we haven't seen in a long time."

Alongside a welcome from some of the current Chiefs' players, club president Bob Staddon also addressed the crowd with a special welcome message.