Harvey Skinner has the confidence to spark Exeter Chiefs this season

By Mark Stevens

There is a renewed swagger about Exeter Chiefs this season – and nowhere is it more evident than in the confidence and control of fly-half Harvey Skinner.

A year on from a campaign that saw the Devonians rooted near the foot of the Premiership and searching desperately for direction, Skinner now looks like the conductor of a side reborn.

Calm, assertive and visibly enjoying his rugby again, the 28-year-old has been instrumental in a flying start that has lifted Exeter into contention domestically and in the European Challenge Cup.

Skinner admits the shift has been collective, not individual. “I think collectively we know we’ve got a vision of what we’re trying to achieve in attack,” he said.

Clarity

Skinner continued: “We’ve got clear detail and we’ve got a pack that’s given us set-piece, front-foot ball. That, combined with accuracy, is allowing us to be in games and win games.”

That clarity has been forged in the aftermath of a significant Sandy Park shake-up. Gone are the attacking shackles and the over-reliance on box-kicking that defined last season.

In its place is ambition, tempo and skill – a change Skinner believes is down to improved fundamentals.

“Everyone’s able to catch and pass under pressure, which is the main thing. It allows us to transition, identify space and ultimately get those boys on the ball.”

The swagger is back: Exeter Chiefs fly-half Harvey Skinner
PICTURES: Getty Images

Impactful arrivals

Central to that evolution is the arrival of summer signing Stephen Varney, below, whose speed of service and competitive edge have elevated Exeter’s threat.

“Steve’s an international nine,” Skinner said. “I’m really enjoying playing with him.

“He gives information, he’s competitive, and that comes from a good place. He drives standards, not just me.”

Influential

Equally influential has been the impact of new attack coach Dave Walder, whose fresh outlook has empowered Skinner to play flatter and braver, while at the same time distributing to the likes of Len Ikitau and Henry Slade, who offer the perfect blend of power, intelligence and elite decision-making.

Together, they are allowing Skinner to play with greater confidence, knowing he has reliable options both as a carrier and a creator.

Indeed, their influence has sharpened Exeter’s attacking edge, improved transition play, and given the playmaker the platform to truly dictate games rather than simply manage them.

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As for what lies ahead, Skinner is quietly ambitious.

“I think we’re capable of getting top four,” he said.

“The best thing is the media’s not really talking about us. We can stay grounded, take it week by week and keep getting better.”