Rob Hunter leaves Exeter Chiefs after record defeat

Exeter head coach Rob Hunter has left the club by mutual consent. He and attack coach Ali Hepher were suspended following Chiefs’ club-record 79-17 loss at Gloucester.

Hunter had only had four games as head coach, having been promoted to the role following Hepher’s demotion in March. It brings to an end a 13-year spell at Sandy Park for the former England U20s boss.

Director of rugby Rob Baxter, who has returned to overseeing coaching for the rest of the season, added: “Rob has been an integral part of our coaching team across multiple seasons.

“I want to personally thank him for his hard work, loyalty, and the positive influence he has had on the squad.

“Although it is never easy to part ways with someone who has contributed so much, we look forward with confidence and enthusiasm as we continue to build on the strong foundations Rob has helped to establish.”

Departures

Hunter is the second coach this season to leave the troubled club, who are ninth in the Premiership this season.

Defence coach Omar Mouneimne left at the end of October as Exeter had their worst start to a season in their history – a run of eight successive league losses.

But the poor form continued as they were heavily beaten in all of their Champions Cup pool games – including a record 69-17 European defeat by Bordeaux.

Baxter is now in control of coaching until the end of the season, with new defence coach Haydn Thomas and skills coach Ricky Pellow alongside him.

Former Newcastle boss Dave Walder is tipped to become the club’s new backs coach in the summer.

New Additions

The club will also need a head coach, and may well want to add a forwards specialist as well.

Hepher is due to leave his first-team role at the end of the season for a new position working with academy players transitioning to the Exeter first team.

Exeter No.8 Greg Fisilau will miss the rest of the season after injuring his shoulder against Gloucester. The 21-year-old England ‘A’ player will also miss the England tour to Argentina.

Hooker Max Norey and winger Ben Hammersley have also been ruled out for the season with shoulder and knee injuries respectively. Wales centre Joe Hawkins – who is leaving in the summer – will miss four weeks with an ankle injury.

Italy lock Andrea Zambonin, 24, will join the club at the end of the campaign from Zebre. He will become the third Italy international in Exeter’s squad, joining back row Ross Vintcent and scrum-half Stephen Varney who is also arriving from Zebre.