Ethan Roots and his Exeter Chiefs teammates are delighted with the “new pads and luxury creams and lotions” being stocked at the club.

But, while he believes the real on-field impact of Black Knight’s £45m takeover may not be felt for some time, he reckons this season’s title bid will be powered by Chiefs ingrained “never-say-die” spirit.
Kiwi-born Roots claims the Devon men will be the fittest in the league when they try to make up for last June’s heart-breaking Twickenham loss to Northampton Saints.
Rob Baxter’s side kick off the new Premiership bid at home to Gloucester in 13 days’ time.
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