"Different direction" - Exeter Chiefs coach departs with immediate effect

The Chiefs' coaching staff face mounting pressure, with the team losing their first six matches and currently sitting in ninth place as the season reaches its first third.

A disorganised defensive performance in last weekend's 36-19 defeat to Harlequins proved to be the breaking point for Mouneimne and his high-risk rush defense strategy.

Exeter Chiefs`director of rugby Rob Baxter said: “I would like to thank Omar for his hard work in helping us develop a new and transitional young group of players into a competitive Premiership squad.

"However, I felt we needed to head in a new direction defensively and after some conversations between Omar and I, we agreed now was the right time for a change.

“I would like to thank Omar for all of his efforts not just as a coach but as a valued member of our club over the past two years. As a club, we wish Omar and his family all the very best for the future.”

Former Chiefs scrum-half Haydn Thomas will now take on the Defence Coach role after impressing with University of Exeter and England U20s. Thomas will also be involved with the England A coaching staff in their upcoming game against Australia A at the Twickenham Stoop. 

The proud Rugby WAGs who’ll cheer on England this Autumn – including model, clothing store owner and restauranteur

Off the field, the players’ wives and girlfriends (rugby WAGs) are a source of strength and style, with a few glamorous details of their own.

From models and travel buffs to a passionate restaurateur, here’s a look at the fascinating lives of England’s Rugby WAGs of 2024.

England Rugby WAGs

Katie and Jamie George have been a power couple for years. The Saracens hooker wed Katie in 2020 after six years of dating, with teammate Elliot Daly standing as best man. Their love story is a strong one, showing a deep bond and unwavering support for each other.

The towering Maro Itoje recently put a ring on it! The 30-year-old popped the question on a holiday to Nigeria, and his now-fiancée, Mimi Fall, said yes.

Known for being private, Maro shared the news with fans through Mimi's Instagram, where England teammate Marcus Smith was quick to congratulate the happy couple.

Mimi is not only a model but also an artist, and she and Maro first met while modelling together.

Henry Slade and his wife, Megan, tied the knot in 2022, and they share two beautiful children.

Megan runs a children’s fashion line, Olive & Bud, known for high-quality basics with soft, earthy color palettes, co-founded with another new mum.

This Devon-based brand is gaining popularity, and Megan is as hands-on in her business as she is with her family.

England fly-half George Ford is riding high in life, not only on the field but also at home, with his wife Atdhetare and their new baby.

Atdhetare has an inspiring journey, arriving in the UK as a child refugee from Kosovo. Driven by passion, she opened her own Italian restaurant, Sorella, in Saddleworth in 2020, bringing her love for food to life after overcoming a challenging past.

Her resilience is a source of strength for George.

The Harlequins fly-half Marcus Smith has been dating model and singer Beth Dolling since 2019, and the pair regularly give fans a glimpse into their romance on social media.

Beth, who’s worked with M MODELS MANAGEMENT and appeared in campaigns for PrettyLittleThing, has over 35,000 followers on Instagram.

She’s also an aspiring singer, sharing clips of her vocals on a separate Instagram account, described simply as "Just some girl that likes to sing."