Exeter Chiefs fan favourite departs permanently after seven years at the club
Rugby NewsMonday, 19 May 2025 at 19:42
Sam Maunder is officially on the move. The Exeter-born scrum-half has agreed a permanent deal with Coventry ahead of the 2025/26 season, having impressed on loan at Butts Park Arena this year.
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The 25-year-old has Chiefs in his blood, with his dad Andrew making 149 appearances for the club, and older brother Jack lifting both the Premiership and Champions Cup trophies in 2020.
“It’s meant the world to me…”
Maunder said goodbye with an emotional statement:
“It’s a special group of players and staff at Chiefs and I’ve made lifelong friends. I’m going to miss being part of that dressing room.”
He’s spent six seasons at Sandy Park, racking up 59 appearances, and was just 18 when he made his senior debut back in 2018.
From Blundell’s to the big time
A product of Blundell’s School and the Chiefs Academy, Maunder captained the U18s and played for England U18s and U20s, including at the 2019 World Rugby U20 Championship.
Rob Baxter pays tribute
“Sam’s been fantastic for us and has come through the whole system… unfortunately, injuries have disrupted his progress and we’ve decided to head in a new direction at 9,” said the DoR.
“He’ll now get regular game time with Coventry, and that could be exactly what he needs to kick on.”
“He’ll now get regular game time with Coventry, and that could be exactly what he needs to kick on.”
Exeter Chiefs – Transfers 2025/26
Players In
- Tom Hooper (Australia) – From ACT Brumbies
- Joseph Dweba (South Africa) – From Stormers
- Stephen Varney (Italy) – From Vannes (France)
- Julian Heaven (Australia) – From NSW Waratahs
- Charlie Chapman (Scotland) – From Gloucester
- Len Ikitau (Australia) – From ACT Brumbies
- Andrea Zambonin (Italy) – From Zebre Parma
Players Out
- Dan Frost (England) – To Bath
- Marcus Street (England) – To Saracens
- Joe Hawkins (Wales) – To Scarlets
- Jack Innard (England) – To Gloucester
- Jacques Vermeulen (South Africa) – To Sale Sharks
- Chester Ribbons (England) – To Cornish Pirates
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