Emotional Rob Baxter reveals the first thing he did at full-time
Rugby NewsSaturday, 17 October 2020 at 22:17
Rob Baxter was on the verge of tears before kick-off, so it was great to see him with a big smile on his face as a Champions Cup winner.
The Chiefs had just enough to keep Racing 92 at bay, winning 31-27, and clinch their first Champions Cup title in a thrilling final at Ashton Gate.
However, instead of instantly celebrating, the first thing he did at full-time was call his wife.
“Jo has been with me my whole career and seen the highs and lows,” he said.
“The cruellest thing was that our families were not here to share such an achievement and that is why there was a bit of emotion at the end. We could not share the moment.
“It was a funny game, not an Exeter Chiefs one at all. In some ways it was our poorest attacking and defensive display of the season. The occasion makes you do things, but in a final it is not the performance that matters but the scoreboard.Exeter win it the hard way to fulfil Tony Rowe's Europe ambitionRead more
“The last 10 minutes were horrible to watch. They seemed to go on forever. We fought for every inch and the players got what they deserved. They can enjoy the weekend before thinking about the Premiership final. I am sure we will play better against Wasps. We were nervy and cagey at times and I would like to think we will free ourselves up next week.”
RANKED | The 10 highest paid people in rugby union, 2020
Keep reading to see the top 10 highest-paid people in rugby union, ranked in ascending order of earnings.
9=. ANDY FARRELL £600k (Ireland)
The first of two Farrell's on this list, Andy received a significant pay boost when he took over from Joe Schmidt following the 2019 Rugby World Cup.
9=. DAN BIGGAR £600k (Northampton Saints)
The Welsh pivot has made the most of his big-money move from Ospreys to Northampton Saints, where he has shone consistently since joining in 2018.
8. STEVE LUATUA £650k (Bristol Bears)
Didn't make any friends within the All Blacks hierarchy when he decided to cash in on his extreme rugby talent, signing for Bristol in 2017. Has since signed a two-year contract extension. The All Blacks aren’t allowed by the New Zealand Rugby Union to pick exiles.
6=. OWEN FARRELL £750k (Saracens)
The England captain signed his deal a while ago. It's set to run until 2022 when he can expect to earn an increase again wherever he decides to play, assuming rugby hasn't completely decided to tighten its belt by then.
6=. EDDIE JONES £750k (England)
The highest-paid international rugby coach. His salary pales in comparison to Manchester City chief Pep Guardiola (£20million) and England football chief Gareth Southgate (£3m).
5. PAT LAM £800k (Bristol Bears)
The former Newcastle, Northampton and Samoa back-row will remain at Ashton Gate until at least 2023 after signing a bumper contract extension in 2019. The 50-year-old, as a result, became the highest paid rugby boss in the world.
4. MARO ITOJE £825k (Saracens)
Signed a new deal last year that was reportedly between £750,000 and £1 million. He's one of the next year and is widely regarded as the best lock in the world, with the salary to match.
3. EBEN ETZEBETH £900k (Toulon)
The 28-year-old Springbok extended his stay at the French club in July by signing a new three-year deal with the club that will see him remain at the club until June 2023.
2=. CHARLES PIUTAU £1m (Bristol Bears)
The former New Zealand wing or full-back become British rugby’s first million-pound player when he signed for Bristol Bears. The former All Black speedster, who deserted his international ambitions at the premature age of 23, has consistently been one of the best players in Europe since 2015.
1=. HANDRE POLLARD £1m (Montpellier)
The World Cup-winning Springboks playmaker Handre Pollard became the joint highest paid rugby player in the world alongside Piutau when he agreed to leave the Bulls in Super Rugby to join Montpellier in the Top 14 last year.
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