Davis savours Cup win with the Chiefs

By Mark Stevens
21/3/23

Aidon Davis described Sunday's Premiership Rugby Cup Final win as an 'awesome feeling' after his extra-time score sealed success for Exeter Chiefs over London Irish.

With the game level at 17-17 after normal time, South African forward Davis proved the matchwinner as he dived his way over to secure a 24-20 success for the Devonians at the Gtech Community Stadium.

It sealed a third win for the Chiefs in the competition and a first triumph for Davis on English soil having made the move to Sandy Park last summer from the Cheetahs.

"It's my first season here, so I couldn't have asked for a better start," said the 28-year-old. "To be in the final and win it like this, it's an awesome feeling."

Davis was one of the stand-out figures for the Chiefs in an enthralling encounter in the capital. With little to choose between either side throughout, it was Ricky Pellow's side who found that little bit extra late on to set-up the match-winning moment.

"I can't remember the last time I played 100 minutes," added Davis. "It was a tough game and full credit to London Irish, I thought their maul was on fire tonight. That said, credit to our guys as well because we stuck in there, we kept going and I think our fitness pulled us through in the end."

Sunday's success helped cap what has been a decent fightback for Davis, who ruptured his bicep just weeks into pre-season at the Chiefs. Months of rehab and work behind the scenes has seen the player force his way into the first team picture in recent weeks and he hopes he can now have a big end to the season as Exeter look to kick-on both domestically and in Europe.

"We've won today, which is great, but we're still in the fight in terms of Europe and the Premiership as well," said Davis. "There are exciting times ahead and I'm looking forward to being part of it all."