Exeter Chiefs 39 – 12 Gloucester Rugby: Match Report

Saturday, 25 October 2025 at 17:27

bySteven Smith

Dominant Chiefs Maintain Unbeaten Home Form. BY Joe Wilkinson.

Exeter Chiefs headed into their clash with Gloucester at Sandy Park off the back of an excellent performance against Harlequins last week. A complete shutout isn’t something we see too often in Premiership rugby, but inspired by England’s Henry Slade, they dominated from start to finish.

Saturday’s challengers posed a different question to Quins, but like every other visitor to Devon this season, Gloucester were unable to put an end to Chiefs’ superb home record.

First Half: Chiefs Take Control Early

It was a lively start for both sides, with the hosts striking first after just four minutes. From a line-out, Rusi Tuima took control and Joseph Dweba forced the ball over the line. Henry Slade converted to give Exeter a 7–0 lead.

Gloucester responded in style. Jack Cotgreave broke through the middle and offloaded to skipper Tomos Williams, who found Will Joseph to finish a slick attacking move. Ross Byrne’s conversion levelled the score at 7–7.

Exeter hit back quickly. Immanuel Feyi-Waboso took a high catch to set up Slade for his second try in as many weeks, and another flawless kick made it 14–7. That score also took Slade to 999 career points for Exeter.

Moments later, Feyi-Waboso claimed a try of his own after Ollie Woodburn and Len Ikitau combined neatly on the right wing. Slade’s conversion extended the lead to 21–7 inside 20 minutes.

Gloucester narrowed the gap through Freddie Thomas, but Byrne missed the extras (21–12). A Greg Fisilau penalty allowed Slade to slot another three points before Iosefa-Scott’s try was disallowed for a forward pass. Another penalty on the stroke of half-time sent the sides in at 27–12.

Second Half: Slade Seals It in Style

After the restart, Gloucester began to build pressure, dominating territory and the line-out through Matias Alemanno. Despite several near chances, they couldn’t force a breakthrough.

Exeter weathered the storm and pushed back upfield. A clever grubber kick from Slade on the left opened up Gloucester’s defence, and he latched onto his own kick to score his second try of the game — passing the 1,000-point milestone in the process.

He left the field to a standing ovation.

The afternoon ended perfectly for Rob Baxter’s men as replacement Jack Yeandle powered over following a line-out. Josh Hodge added the conversion to seal a 39–12 victory and maintain Exeter’s unbeaten home record.

Match Summary

Exeter Chiefs

Tries: Dweba (4’), Slade (14’, 69’), Feyi-Waboso (17’), Yeandle (79’)
Conversions: Slade (5’, 15’, 18’), Hodge (80’)
Penalties: Slade (31’, 42’)
Cards: None

Starting XV:
15. Josh Hodge · 14. Immanuel Feyi-Waboso · 13. Henry Slade · 12. Len Ikitau · 11. Ollie Woodburn · 10. Harvey Skinner · 9. Stephen Varney · 1. Scott Sio · 2. Joseph Dweba · 3. Josh Iosefa-Scott · 4. Dafydd Jenkins (C) · 5. Rusi Tuima · 6. Tom Hooper · 7. Ethan Roots · 8. Greg Fisilau

Replacements:
Yeandle · Burger · Tchumbadze · Zambonin · James · Chapman · Haydon-Wood · Hammersley

Gloucester Rugby

Tries: Joseph (6’), Thomas (24’)
Cards: None

Starting XV:
15. Charlie Atkinson · 14. Ben Redshaw · 13. Will Joseph · 12. Max Llewellyn · 11. Jack Cotgreave · 10. Ross Byrne · 9. Tomos Williams (C) · 1. Ciaran Knight · 2. Seb Blake · 3. Nepo Laulala · 4. Freddie Thomas · 5. Matias Alemanno · 6. Josh Basham · 7. James Venter · 8. Hugh Bokenham

Replacements:
Innard · Bleuler · Fasogbon · Jordan · Mann · Englefield · Barton · Knight

Autumn Internationals Watch

Immanuel Feyi-Waboso (England)

With nine England caps already, the 22-year-old remains firmly in Steve Borthwick’s plans. Another try here showcased his confidence and aerial ability — an exciting sign for the Red Roses.

Dafydd Jenkins (Wales)

Already named in the Welsh squad, the Chiefs skipper was imposing as ever — strong in the tackle and dominant in the air. A key figure for Steve Tandy this autumn.

Henry Slade (England)

Two tries and perfect kicking reaffirmed his class. Back near his best, Slade’s form will have delighted both Chiefs fans and England selectors alike.

Max Llewellyn (Wales)

The Gloucester centre looked sharp despite defeat. His involvement in their best attacking moments will keep him in contention for a starting role under Tandy.

Freddie Thomas (Wales)

A standout in a struggling Gloucester side, Thomas impressed with his work rate and opportunistic try. He continues to grow as an international prospect.

Five Talking Points

1. Are Chiefs the Real Deal This Season?

Now sitting third in the Premiership, Exeter look revitalized. New recruits like Dweba and Ikitau have added quality, while home form remains formidable.

2. Gloucester’s Line-Out Strength

Matias Alemanno’s dominance in the air gave Chiefs real trouble. That platform could become a major weapon for George Skivington’s men this season.

3. Henry Slade Back to His Best

Slade’s leadership, kicking, and try-scoring flair were all on display. Chiefs — and England — will hope he maintains this form through the international window.

4. Gloucester Searching for Answers

Still winless after five rounds, Gloucester’s strong phases aren’t translating into results. Their upcoming fixtures against Harlequins and Leicester will be crucial.

5. Sandy Park: The Fortress Returns

Three bonus-point wins from three home games, and just 27 points conceded — Exeter’s home dominance is once again their foundation for success.

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