Exeter Chiefs awful season goes from bad to worse with two coaches suspended
Rugby NewsMonday, 28 April 2025 at 20:26
Exeter Chiefs’ turbulent season plunged to new depths on Monday night, as long-serving coaches Rob Hunter and Ali Hepher were suspended following the club’s heaviest-ever Premiership defeat.
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The Sandy Park side endured a humiliating afternoon at Kingsholm, shipping a staggering 13 tries as they were thrashed 79-17 by Gloucester on Sunday.
The result capped off a miserable campaign for the two-time Premiership champions, who have won just three league matches all season and sit a lowly ninth out of ten teams.
Tony Rowe swings the axe
Chiefs chairman Tony Rowe acted swiftly in the aftermath of the record-breaking defeat, suspending Hunter and Hepher pending what the club describe as "a full review of the match and the 2024/25 season to date."
The decision marks a significant shake-up behind the scenes, with both coaches having been integral to Exeter’s success over the past decade.
Rowe said: "No final decision regarding the club’s coaching structure going forward has been made, and it would be improper to make any further comment until all internal procedures have been completed."
In the interim, Director of Rugby Rob Baxter will step into a front-line coaching role to oversee the remainder of the season
Players informed by text
In a further sign of the current turmoil, it is understood that Exeter’s players were informed of Hunter and Hepher’s suspension via text message on Monday morning.
According to Mail Online, it now looks highly unlikely that either coach will return to their roles moving forward, with major changes expected at Sandy Park in the coming weeks.
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Here’s everything you need to know...
Faletau could be on his way back to the Gallagher Premiership
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New club for Libbok
Rugby365 report that Manie Libbok appears set to sign with the Hanazono Liners, the Osaka-based outfit currently placed third in Division Two of Japan Rugby League One. FULL STORY
Race to sign Russell heating up
Bath fly-half Finn Russell is set to be one of the most sought-after names in world rugby next summer, with clubs from England, France, and Japan already jostling for position to secure his services. FULL STORY
Scarlets confirms leavers
Scarlets have confirmed a number of player departures ahead of their final home match of the 2024-25 season. Supporters will have the opportunity to say farewell following Saturday’s United Rugby Championship game against Leinster at Parc y Scarlets.
Wales international wing Steff Evans, who has scored 74 tries in 190 appearances across 11 seasons, headlines the list of players leaving. He is joined by Shaun Evans, Ioan Lloyd, Alex Craig, Charlie Titcombe, Efan Jones and Ed Scragg. Head coach Dwayne Peel thanked the departing players for their commitment, with further announcements on squad retention for the 2025-26 season expected in the coming weeks.
Perpignan join race for Scotland star Chris Harris as Gloucester exit looms
Top 14 side Perpignan are the latest club to throw their hat into the ring for Scotland and Gloucester centre Chris Harris, with the experienced midfield enforcer set to become a free agent when his contract expires this summer. Premiership surprise package Gloucester face a battle to keep hold of the 33-year-old as French clubs circle. FULL STORY
5 Big-Name Stars Set to Miss Out on the Lions Squad – Including Finn Russell!
With the 2025 British & Irish Lions squad announcement just around the corner, the rumour mill is already in overdrive. Andy Farrell’s selection promises to be one of the boldest in recent history—and not everyone is safe.
While some players have all but booked their tickets to Australia, others are sweating bullets. Whether it’s poor form, fierce competition, or a coach with long memories, a few major names could be on the chopping block.
Here are five shock omissions we think are on the cards—and why their Lions dreams might be dead before the squad is even named…
1. Russell's Rollercoaster Could Crash Early
Finn Russell (Scotland)
Moments of magic? Always. But consistency? Not so much. Russell’s 2025 Six Nations was a mixed bag at best. A missed conversion against England and a disastrous showing versus France have left serious questions about his big-game temperament.
Add in the appointment of Johnny Sexton as Lions assistant coach, and things start looking bleak. In his autobiography, Sexton slammed Russell’s 2021 selection as a media-driven hype job—and he hasn’t softened since.
“If you want someone reliable in the trenches, you go with Owen Farrell,” Sexton recently told The Times, taking a not-so-subtle dig at Russell’s “flashy” style. He even spared Marcus Smith, calling him a “generational talent.” Finn? Not so lucky.
2. Ringrose Running Out of Time
Garry Ringrose (Ireland)
Not long ago, Ringrose looked like a nailed-on Lion. But a rocky Six Nations campaign could have sunk his chances. He was solid in Ireland’s first couple of games, then saw red against Wales and missed the crunch clash with France. His return against Italy? Ropey.
He’s still a classy operator on his day, but with Farrell spoiled for choice in the midfield, Ringrose may find himself edged out by younger, more in-form options.
3. Slade Slide May Prove Terminal
Henry Slade (England)
Once considered one of England’s most gifted backs, Slade’s stock has taken a major hit. His partnership with Ollie Lawrence was under heavy scrutiny heading into the Six Nations—and despite some signs of improvement, it didn’t last.
Fraser Dingwall took his place in the England squad, and now Slade’s international future—and Lions hopes—look grim. Having already missed out on the 2023 World Cup, the Exeter man may once again fall victim to poor form at the worst possible time.
4. Ritchie Rich... But Is It Enough?
Jamie Ritchie (Scotland)
He was one of Scotland’s top performers in the Six Nations—but that might not be enough. The Lions back-row battle is absolutely brutal this year, and with Jack Willis tearing it up in France, Farrell might favour more dominant ball-carriers and jackalers.
Ritchie has leadership and work rate in spades, but he could become the unlucky victim of ridiculous depth in one of the tour’s most hotly contested positions.
5. O'Mahony's Last Dance Could Be In The Studio
Peter O’Mahony (Ireland)
The veteran flanker rolled back the years against Scotland, delivering one of the performances of the tournament—but that flash of vintage POM might have been his swan song. His form faded fast, and a tough showing against France left fans wondering if the tank’s finally empty.
He’s since hung up his boots for Ireland, and unless Farrell is picking on nostalgia, O'Mahony is more likely to be analysing Lions games for Sky Sports than playing in them.
Can You Name These 10 Legendary British & Irish Lions?
Test your rugby knowledge and see how many of these iconic Lions players you can name! You’ve got 4 minutes on the clock—think fast!
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