The Exeter Daily - Exeter Chiefs

Chiefs sign Kwenzo Blose

News Desk — Wed, 21 Aug 2024 00:50:05 +0000

Exeter Chiefs have signed loosehead prop Kwenzo Blose to add depth to the forward pack ahead of the 2024/25 season.

The nimble front rower, who is a former South African Under 20, moves to the Northern Hemisphere from United Rugby Championship side, DHL Stormers.

Settling into Devon following a pre-season spent with Chiefs, Blose is excited to add to the Chiefs shirt and take to the field with his new teammates.

“I’m really excited to join the Chiefs and I’m looking forward to contributing as much as I can to the club’s success.

“A club with huge ambitions, a loyal fan base and a rich history. I hope to add as much value as I can, and I can’t wait for the season to get underway.”

Born in Paulpietersburg, South Africa, the 27-year-old made his professional debut for Cape Town-based Western Province in 2018.

Having made 41 appearances for them, Blose made the switch to the URC with DHL Stormers. Since then, he has made 18 appearances for the South African branch of the competition which includes Irish, Scottish, Welsh and Italian competition.

Blose has also made his mark on the age-grade international stage, gaining seven caps for the Junior Springboks.

Director of Rugby Rob Baxter is intrigued to see what the experienced prop can bring to the first team pack.

“People will be aware that over the last couple of seasons we’ve lost a lot of experience at loosehead with guys like Alec Hepburn and Ben Moon either leaving or retiring. We were delighted with how durable Scott Sio was and how many games he played for us last season.

“We thought we had some back-up lined up with Nika Abuladze, but he was very fortunate to receive a fantastic offer from Montpellier and one which worked for him and his family, so we were happy to make that work. However, that did mean that we’ve had to go into the market to strengthen our crop of props.

“We’re delighted to have gotten hold of Will Goodrick-Clarke – who is training fantastically well – but we still looked for some more experience to back up those two senior players. So, as soon as we saw someone like Kwenzo becoming available, we had a call with him and watched him play plenty of rugby.

“As he’s with us now, he’s settled in well. He arrived with a slight neck strain, but we’ve progressed through that to have him in full training, doing live scrums with us now. He promises to be an exciting, strong and very important member of our squad going forward.”

Chiefs sign Kiwi Tamati Tua

News Desk — Wed, 21 Aug 2024 00:41:33 +0000

Exeter Chiefs have added powerful centre and former Junior All Black, Tamati Tua to their ranks ahead of the 2024/25 season.

The talented New Zealander makes the switch to the Gallagher Premiership from Australian Super Rugby side, ACT Brumbies for whom he made 31 appearances and scored five tries.

The pacey centre is looking forward to testing himself in a new league alongside new teammates.

“I’ve always wanted to play overseas, and I had heard good things about the club from coaches and boys that had played in the Premiership before.

“I’m excited to be here and I’d like to do what I can to help to get more trophies in the cabinet.”

Growing up in Kaitaia in north New Zealand, the talented youngster started his rugby journey at a young age before his senior career began in 2016 with National Provincial Championship side, Northland.

Following strong performances for Northland in over 60 appearances, his talent was recognised by Super Rugby side, Blues. They signed him to his first top-flight contract and gave him his debut in 2018 against the Crusaders in Christchurch.

Moving to the Brumbies top squad in 2023, he soon formed a deadly partnership with Len Ikitau in the backline. A lethal threat with pace, Tua will be looking to use his skills to compliment the competitive edge of Chiefs centres Henry Slade and Joe Hawkins.

Director of Rugby Rob Baxter is pleased to have added depth to a key position in the Chiefs’ backline.

“People will be aware that centre is a position that we’ve had great strength in over a number of years. Through age, and players moving on, that’s slowly changed in terms of experience. We’ve got some great young players in that position now with guys like Zack Wimbush, Ben Hammerlsey and Tommy Wyatt being able to play there, and a guy like Nick Lilley who has played England age-grades.

“So, we’ve got good players but they’re younger and slightly inexperienced, so it’s an area we’ve been wanting to strengthen. We had a really good look at Tamati as he was playing very well for ACT Brumbies – he played right through to the late stages of the season – with him being one of their stand-out players.

“Unfortunately, he’s arrived with a neck issue which he picked up towards the end of last season’s campaign, so we’re now in a position where we’ve had to address that and it’s likely that he’ll need an operation shortly which will require a period of rehab.

“So, unfortunately he’s going to miss the start of the season for us, but we’re very confident he’ll be back on the pitch fairly early in the season and will be a player that will bring an awful lot to how we want to play, both in attack and defence.”

Dafydd Jenkins to miss start of new rugby season

Exeter News Blog — Fri, 16 Aug 2024 22:03:00 +0000

Exeter Chiefs and Wales lock Dafydd Jenkins will miss the beginning of the 2024/25 season following surgery on his knee and shoulder.

Director of Rugby, Rob Baxter gave an update on the injuries and the possible recovery period for his first team captain.

“It’s tough and frustrating for Dafydd but he’s had surgery on a knee issue sustained on summer tour with Wales, then he’s had a sore shoulder slash rotator cuff type of injury as well. Both the club and Wales feel now is the right time to have them both addressed.

“For me personally, I think it’s the right time for him. He’s a young man who has played a lot of rugby for both Chiefs and Wales, so it’s important that he gets them sorted properly now so that he has that extended period of rehab to get himself back fit and ready for what everyone knows is going to be a very good career.

“Obviously, time scales are a little bit fluid at the moment. We’ve got to see in the early initial period of his rehab where he’ll get to but one thing we know – from every other injury he’s had – is that Dafydd is an incredibly hard worker and rehabber, and if anybody can accelerate the process of getting back from these operations, then we’re sure Dafydd will.”

Exeter Chiefs announce Sika as new main club partner

Exeter News Blog — Wed, 07 Aug 2024 16:45:43 +0000

Exeter Chiefs are pleased to announce that Sika UK have joined the club as main club partner for the 2024/25 season in a deal which will also see the company become the new front of shirt sponsor.

Sika’s logo will feature on the front of all three men’s matchday kits for the new season. In addition, Sika have become the new principal community partner, supporting the club in its extensive outreach work across the south-west.

Truly looking to cement their connection with the club, Sika will sponsor Welsh international and team captain Dafydd Jenkins for the season.

Renowned for their innovation and quality within the construction, industrial manufacturing, automotive manufacturing and DIY sector, Sika are a company Chiefs are proud to work with so closely.

Tom Forsyth, General Manager at Sika, said: “At Sika, our ethos is all about generating lasting added value. As we look forward, we want to take this beyond the construction industry and apply it to the wider community.

“We understand the important role of clubs like Exeter Chiefs and the outstanding contribution they provide in supporting grassroots initiatives and local talent.

“Therefore, it’s an ideal fit for us to support the club during what is tipped to be a fantastic season. We look forward to cheering the teams on from the sidelines and witnessing as the club continues to make its mark on the local sports scene.”

Tony Rowe CBE, Chairman and CEO of Exeter Chiefs, said: “For an international company the size and reputation of Sika to become our main club partner highlights the incredible development and reach of the Chiefs brand.

“Sika’s strong set of values and principles which makes up the DNA of the company are to be admired and many of which are reflected in how we run Exeter Rugby Club, so this really is a perfect match.”

Sam Blake, Head of Sales and Marketing of Exeter Chiefs, said: “This partnership brings Sika into every aspect of the club, from shirt and player sponsorship to support for the community team which will help to bring rugby values to thousands of children across the south-west.”

The sponsorship agreement will also see Sika’s branding displayed on the club website, in matchday programmes and across Sandy Park stadium – from dugouts and pitch LED panels to the central billboard and corporate hospitality box.

Fans will be able to see the brand new front of shirt sponsor on the new kit at the launch at the three different pre-season friendlies scheduled to take place at Sandy Park – starting with a summer double header on Saturday, August 24.

BYD South West Announces Exeter Chiefs’ Wing Immanuel Feyi- Waboso as Official Brand Ambassador

News Desk — Tue, 06 Aug 2024 09:12:37 +0000

BYD South West are excited to announce Exeter Chiefs player Immanuel Feyi-Waboso as an Official BYD South West Ambassador. Born and raised in Cardiff, Feyi-Waboso represents England at international level after qualifying on ancestry grounds.

Feyi-Waboso began playing with Rumney FC, before signing for the Cardiff Blues academy ahead of the 2020-21 season. In 2022, Wasps announced the signing of Feyi-Waboso. Following the Wasps’ expulsion from the league due to their administration, Feyi-Waboso was signed by Exeter Chiefs.

Feyi-Waboso received his first call-up to the senior England squad in January 2024 for the Six Nations Championship. Since 2022, he has been studying for a medical degree at the University of Exeter alongside his rugby career.

BYD South West is a franchise of the City West Country Group, a family-run automotive business that can list Mercedes-Benz South West, smart South West, GWM ORA South West, and Tangelo in their successful portfolio.

Located at Stratford House on Marsh Barton, the BYD Exeter showroom and service centres are positioned in the hub of Europe’s biggest collection of retail showrooms, promising a cleaner, more efficient motoring option for local consumers.

Luke Yetman, Sales Director at City West Country, said: “We are thrilled to welcome Immanuel Feyi-Waboso to BYD South West. It is an honour to work alongside such a prominent local (and national!) personality, particularly withour large base of Exeter Chiefs fans. We are excited to see our partnership grow, and we look forward to welcoming Immanuel to our showroom.”

Immanuel picked up his BYD SEAL on Friday 26th July.

Across worldwide markets, BYD have gone on to establish themselves as one of the most popular electric car manufacturers. In 2022 alone, they were. named the world’s best-selling EV producer, selling over 1.8 million cars. At the heart of that success is their industry-leading Blade Battery technology, which offers enhanced safety having passed new levels of penetration tests. With optimised space utilisation, the Blade Battery can deliver longer ranges and sustain a longer lifecycle.

BYD are aiming to cool the earth by 1° and have committed to numerous projects that will allow them to lower congestion and remove pollution to help them on their way. As a brand, they are determined to continue finding solutions that solve the planet’s biggest challenges, with electric mobility at the forefront of that.

Right Here for Rugby: Win free tickets to a Gallagher Premiership Rugby game

Exeter News Blog — Wed, 07 Feb 2024 17:45:33 +0000

Gallagher is offering fans the chance to win tickets to Exeter Chiefs vs Newcastle Falcons on 22nd March as part of its Right Here for Rugby campaign.

The Insurance broker, risk management company and title partner of Gallagher Premiership Rugby has furthered its ongoing commitment to increasing the accessibility of rugby and celebrate the community spirit that lives in the heart of each club.

Right Here for Rugby will see Gallagher Premiership Rugby clubs at the forefront of bringing new audiences to matches.

Gallagher’s initiative will offer rugby fans the opportunity to win tickets to one of 10 fixtures that comprise the Gallagher Game Day series.

To enter, fans will need to visit the Gallagher Game Day ticket ballot site, where entrants will be able to apply for either two or four tickets for a game day experience and applicants who are not successful will be automatically entered into a ballot for the Gallagher Premiership Rugby Final on 8 June.

The ballot is open until 3 May with winners randomly selected two weeks before each match day.

At each game, all fans will be treated to an elevated match day experience featuring a variety of concourse activations.

The Gallagher Game Day series is a collection of 10 of the biggest games taking place across the remainder of the 2023/24 Gallagher Premiership Rugby season:

1. Bristol Bears vs Northampton Saints on 22 March

2. Exeter Chiefs vs Newcastle Falcons on 22 March

3. Sale Sharks vs Harlequins on 19 April

4. Saracens vs Gloucester on 19 April

5. Newcastle Falcons vs Sale Sharks on 26 April

6. Bath Rugby vs Saracens on 26 April

7. Harlequins vs Northampton Saints on 27 April

8. Northampton Saints vs Gloucester on 10 May

9. Leicester Tigers vs Exeter Chiefs on 17 May

10. Gloucester vs Newcastle Falcons on 17 May

Gallagher Ambassador Ugo Monye said: “Rugby is the ultimate team sport for players and fans and anyone who has been to a Gallagher Premiership match knows what an electric experience it is.

“Gallagher has supported Premiership Rugby and its clubs for the last six years and this latest initiative is an exciting way of opening up the game to a new group of fans.”

Michael Rea, UK CEO of Gallagher Global Brokerage, said: “We are extremely proud to launch this initiative which will make rugby more accessible to the next generation of fans.

“We are fully committed to growing the sport and widening its reach, ensuring everyone has the opportunity to experience Gallagher Premiership Rugby. By offering tickets, we hope that people who haven’t experienced the atmosphere and excitement of rugby will come along and see how fantastic it is to whilst supporting their local club and community.”

Simon Massie-Taylor, Chief Executive Officer, Premiership Rugby said: “Premiership Rugby is proud to support this fantastic initiative from our long-standing title partner Gallagher, with whom we share the collective ambition to promote rugby to new audiences within the community.

“Fans are the lifeblood of our league, and we are delighted that this campaign will offer the lucky winners the opportunity to experience first hand the phenomenal matchday experience Gallagher Premiership Rugby has to offer.”

To enter the Right Here for Rugby competition, visit https://gallagher-righthereforrugby.sponsorworks.co.uk/.

The winners will be announced within two weeks of the selected fixture. All applicants will automatically be entered into a ballot to win tickets to the 2024 Gallagher Premiership Rugby Final at Twickenham on Saturday 8 June 2024.