Prem 2026-27 preview – Exeter Chiefs: Title odds, key players and stats

By Peter Ryan

The Exeter Chiefs bounced back in a big way last season.

After a disappointing 2024/25 season, Rob Baxter‘s side put together a campaign that showed how good the Chiefs can be.

Heading into the season, they will look to build on last season’s results and challenge this season.

A squad with an abundance of talent that showed they can win in big moments.

Exeter, runners-up last year, will look to take the next step. The bookmakers see them as a dangerous team, but the Chiefs are just under the favourites.

They will look to prove a title is within reach.

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Last season

Following a tough season a year prior, Exeter finished third with 65 points.

They didn’t just make an impact in the league. In the playoffs, the Chiefs were spectacular.

Baxter’s team travelled to the Rec in the semi-final. Going into the contest, they were underdogs against the juggernaut Bath.

Exeter edged Bath in a 27-26 thriller that showed what the side is made of. Of course, they went on to lose to the Northampton Saints in the final.

A team with the taste of the final in their mouth, it will be interesting to see what can be achieved this season.

Key players and stats

As previously stated, the squad has a tremendous amount of talent.

Immanuel Feyi-Waboso was a blockbuster, scoring 10 tries, breaking the line 20 times, and beating 59 defenders.

Henry Slade was a point-scoring machine, tallying 193 points. Dafydd Jenkins was a steadfast defender, making 205 tackles.

Greg Fisilau and Tom Hooper were fantastic.

Exeter have had some key departures to deal with: Len Ikitau, Scott Sio, and Christ Tshiunza. Players who add tremendous off-field quality and experience.

The headline signing is Dallas McLeod. He comes over from the Crusaders, pushing for impact in the Premiership.

The likes of Will Butt, Sam Wostenholme, and Nika Abuladze also come into the squad.

The odds

Exeter come into the season as the fifth favourites at 9/1 odds.

They could be valuable odds, as they are a young side, and it will be fascinating to see how they improve.

Their opening five games are very interesting. Gloucester, Newcastle, and Harlequins will travel to Sandy Park.

On paper, these are games a contender should win; in between, they will face Bath and Bristol Bears away, which are tough tests.

Exeter is a side with a lot of heart, fight, and passion. They are a team where you could see a decent return if you back them.

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