Chiefs Coaches Explain Coen Has Created His Opportunities Ahead of Debut

Dominant performances for EURFC and England U20s have earned Ben Coen a call-up for his Exeter Chiefs debut this weekend in the Premiership Rugby Cup Quarter Final.

On a bye-week from the U20 Six Nations championship, Coen – who has started every game of England’s campaign so far as they remain undefeated – has been called in by Chiefs to take the reigns at fly-half against Sale Sharks at Sandy Park.

Chiefs Director of Rugby Rob Baxter believes that the knockout match will not be ahead of Coen’s capabilities and that the 20-year-old fly half has earned the opportunity.

"Ben's form currently with the EURFC first team and with England U20s has led me to feel very comfortable to give him a start this weekend.

“It's a very important game for the club and for the players but we feel that Ben's maturity and the quality of his game means it's exactly the right time for him to have this opportunity.

“He's a very good young player who is coming through our ranks, has worked exceptionally hard to earn himself a senior contract and we can only see a bright pathway ahead for him and one which will hopefully see him come through to be a front-line player for the club."

Coen signed his first professional contract for the club when he returned to English shores from winning the 2024 World Rugby U20 Championship with England U20s in South Africa last July.

The young half-back described the contract as a “dream come true” as it would give him the chance to represent his childhood club.

Chiefs Defence Coach Haydn Thomas, who also coached Coen at England U20s in last year’s tournament, is proud to be able to watch him run out the tunnel in a Chiefs shirt this weekend.

“Ben joined the university side last year and put in some standout performances which earned him a call up to the U20s side which went on to win the World Championship.

“I’d say he was instrumental in leading that team to the world crown with some extremely confident performances which ultimately earned him his first Chiefs contract.

“Not only is Ben supremely talented but he’s incredibly driven – his work rate and want to improve is admirable. You look at Jack Yeandle making his 300th appearance this weekend and there are similar characteristics between them. Jack is a true Chiefs great, and you can see attributes of his around mindset and eagerness to achieve reflected in Ben.

“Ben has a bright future, and I’m delighted to see him do well. He’s created this opportunity for himself by how he’s played, how he’s trained and just his general desire to want to do well.”