Exeter Chiefs: A Season To Define a Club
Exeter Chiefs are currently preparing for their second season in the top flight of English Rugby. What a different prospect this will prove to be. In their first season they were deemed destined for relegation by many fans and pundits. I for one did NOT agree with this after seeing several performances in the championship which oozed premiership quality and heart. So last season we saw this and what many call the surprise element which played a big part in their survival. Maybe. Either way next season is where Exeter Chiefs need to stand up and be counted.
I guess the obvious question is can Exeter Chiefs stave off relegation again? Well if you were asking me personally I would say an emphatic yes!
Last season Rob Baxter said he was signing players who 'Had a point to prove in the Premiership.' This season it's quite clear that he is bolstering his squad with touches of experience and flair. This is a sign of Baxter's and Chief's continuing desire to cement their place in the premiership and shrug off the tag of 'Premiership New Boys' and maybe gain the tag of 'Premiership Mainstays'
So far Exeter Chiefs have signed some impressive players:
31 year old Scrum half Kevin Barrett from Saracens
24 year old Ospreys prop Craig Mitchell
25 year old Win/Centre Josh Tatupu from Castres
27 year old Lock Aly Muldowney from Glasgow Warriors
31 year old Bath Lock Peter Short
26 year old Argentine Winger Gonzalo Camacho from Amlin Cup Winners Harlequins
Just to name a handful.
An impressive mix of forwards and backs with top flight experience and in some cases international experience. All of these players will have to display the immense work ethic shown by every chief last season to get a place in this side.
If Chiefs can secure premiership status once again this year I am of the opinion that they will push on and look for greater successes in the 2012/2013 season. This current group of Chiefs are certainly capable of this and with a bit of luck and hopefully not too many injuries I believe they can. Exeter displayed a tremendous heart and a never say die attitude last season. If they can utilise that this coming season coupled with the experience they have gained and make Sandy Park a fortress survival looks likely.
