Meet the New Players

Exeter Chiefs Men's and Women's sides have welcomed many new players to Sandy Park ahead of this season and we are giving you the opportunity to meet them off the pitch as well as getting some incredible insights into the way Director of Rugby Rob Baxter OBE goes about his recruitment.

Baxter said: "We have made quite a few changes in the off-season with a great new bunch of lads who are fitting in well with the Exeter Chiefs ethos and culture. We have seen many of our new players in action in the Premiership Rugby Cup, while this event gives supporters a chance to meet them in person."

The experienced Director of Rugby will be presenting on the evening, giving supporters a unique insight into his recruitment process. Using clips and analysis that he used when recruiting players this summer, he will talk attendees through the details he looks for in players before bringing them to the Exeter Chiefs. Following the impressive opening league victory over Saracens, it is clear to see that Baxter and his coaches have brought together an incredibly talented young group of players.

In a first for Exeter Chiefs and the brainchild of assistant coach Gareth Steenson, we are introducing our newbies to supporters, so they meet them in person and hear some of their stories on Wednesday 1 November – 7pm.

Among the players ready to meet-and-greet for the men's team is Wales international Joe Hawkins, Eoin O'Connor from Munster, New Zealander Ethan Roots, who captained Chiefs against Cornish Pirates, and 6ft 8ins lock Alfie Bell, who arrived in November 2022 from Wasps.

For the women, we will be introducing utility back Emily Magee, who used to play for New York Rugby Club, has been part of the USA Eagles training squad, and has played 15s and sevens rugby in nine different countries. Joining her will be Prop and England U18s young star Hannah Sams, who has joined us this Season from Ivybridge RFC. Hannah has already shown herself as an exciting prospect for the Chiefs scoring a try on her Debut against Bristol Bears.

Exeter Chiefs Women's head coach Susie Appleby, who will also be in attendance at the event, said: "We have attracted some great new players during the summer from across the world but also from our locality through our successful Women's Pathway programme. We hope lots of our supporters can find the time to meet them and make them feel welcome at Sandy Park.2

Tickets for the event are just £20 per person (£18 for Season Ticket Holders) and include a pie and mash meal.