Chiefs gear up for pre-season tests

By Mark Stevens
2/9/22

Rob Baxter insists his Exeter Chiefs squad are 'excited' for what lies ahead as they prepare to kick-off their 2022/23 campaign with two fixtures tonight.

The Chiefs Director of Rugby is set to utilise the majority of his squad across two away-day friendlies against Ulster Rugby (7pm) and the Cornish Pirates (7:30pm).

With the new Gallagher Premiership campaign just a week away, Baxter says it's important he has as many players as possible up to speed ahead of their seasonal opener against reigning champions Leicester Tigers.

"You have to say pre-season has gone well, that's kind of the thing to say, but the truth is I don't really know how good it has been," said Baxter. "The proof in the pudding will be, not just these two games, but Leicester the following week and then Worcester after thyat.

"As a squad, though, I think we're all pretty excited and looking forward to starting the new season. We've talked a lot during pre-season about what we want to do, how we want to achieve things but, this is the most important thing, I just want us to concentrate on getting back on that upward arc again.

"If you do that, then more often than not you're going to achieve what you want to achieve. That was our focus the last time we finished sixth or seventh in the Premiership and it didn't serve us too badly in the long run. Now, we have to get back to that and look to get that rise upwards.

"It won't happen in these two pre-season fixtures, not will it happen that first week against Leicester, but it's going to be decided on how much better we can get and how we can grow, both individually and collectively."

With a new club rebrand to add into the mix, Baxter believes that along with a shift in mind-set will have the desired effect as his players get ready to challenge on all fronts.

"We've added a few new faces, all of whom have settled in very well, but we've also got a fairly settled squad, many of whom have been here a while and know what it takes to achieve things," added Baxter. "The senior players and the leadership group play a big part in that, but equally it will be down to those younger players to step up and improve standards as well.

"I don't want us to get too worried or held back saying everything has to change immediately, but if we can get that upward arc, improve week by week and make ourselves as competitive as we possibly can be, then we are putting ourselves in the right position to challenge."

As well as tonight's two games, Baxter held a recent in-house fixture amongst his squad where again they were able to work on tactics, as well as get crucial game minutes into the tank.

"By having that internal game and the two games on Friday, it means that come Monday next week we will have a very strong group of players ready to prepare for Leicester," continued Baxter. "Yes, we've got one or two injuries and a few more unavailable at the moment, but by and large the group looks strong and we'll be ready for the challenge."