Exeter's Gallagher Premiership game against London Irish to be played without spectators

Exeter Chiefs upcoming Gallagher Premiership encounter against London Irish at Sandy Park on Wednesday will be played under closed stadium following the latest government directive.

The game was part of a series of pilot events that received the government approval in the plan for safe return of spectators.

A total of 1,000 spectators were set to witness the game but following the latest direction from the government on Tuesday, the game will now be played without the fans in the stadium.

Exeter Chiefs chairman and chief executive Tom Rowe OBE expressed disappointment on the news but is confident of making the venue a safer place for the fans to return in future.

"As a club we are extremely disappointed to announce that following Government advice, we are unable to welcome our loyal supporters back into Sandy Park next week," said Rowe to the club's official website.

"A huge amount of effort has been put in by our limited staff during the past week to get everything in place for the safe and secure return of supporters back inside Sandy Park. Of course, public safety has to be our top priority and we are hopeful that these restrictions are not kept in place for too long.

"As I've said before, our supporters are the very lifeblood of this club and the need to get them back inside the stadium is crucial to our long-term survival.

"Moving forward, we will continue to adhere to all the relevant guidelines and keep all of you updated as to where we are in terms of getting supporters back watching fixture.

"We thank all of you for your co-operation and patience at this difficult time - and we will do everything we can to make sure that we can all return to Sandy Park safely once again in the future.”