Exeter chiefs statement: Huge change with immediate effect

Interesting open letter to Exeter supporters from cub owner Tony Rowe with a focus on ticket prices.

Exeter’s attendances have been down this season as a number of key one matches at Sandy park show.

Tony Rowe wrote in his open letter to supporters: "To the Exeter Rugby Club Community, It is with both excitement and anticipation that I write this letter to you today.

"Our Rugby Club, and the wonderful community that has formed around it, have been on a remarkable journey together over the past 25 years. A journey that has seen us rise to the very pinnacle of the sport and cement ourselves amongst both English and European rugby's elite clubs.

"We have forged careers that have reached the ultimate heights, and with each season, have been incredibly proud to represent our corner of the country, both on and off the pitch.
It is the link between the club and its supporters that has brought me the most pride, and it is this link that we are looking to ensure remains stronger than ever.

"We believe that change is an opportunity for growth and as the rugby landscape continues to shift, so too we are looking at how we can ensure that your experience with the Exeter Chiefs grows with it.

"The economic horizons are challenging for everyone, and we understand that the pressures that each of you face are more complex than they have ever been. Supporting your team can be a labour of love, it is both an emotional and financial investment yet for many of us, it provides an outlet and escape from the trials we face in our daily lives.

"As both a club and a business, we are working tirelessly to ensure what we offer is here for every member of the Chiefs Family - and that our prices for the new 2023/24 season reflect that. From categorising matches to expanding our offering, supporting the Exeter Chiefs is becoming more affordable and more accessible.

"As we prepare to launch Season Tickets for next season, I am incredibly excited about what we have to offer our fans. Whether you take up residence in the raucous East Terrace, or prefer the shelter of the South Stand, we have reduced the prices around the ground, to ensure that we have something for everyone.

"As we embark on this new chapter, I want to assure you that our commitment to excellence and to our community remains as strong as ever. We will continue to strive for success on the field and to provide an unforgettable experience for our fans. We believe that the future is bright, and I for one can't wait to see what it holds.

"Thank you for being a part of this story and for your continued support. I look forward to sharing this exciting new chapter with you."

Despite no new arrivals yet being confirmed, Baxter is known to be busy as the Exeter boss looks to rebuild his once formidable side.

Below, we take a look at five players who've ben linked with a move to Sandy Park.

The Rugby Paper have reported today that Moriarty could return to the Premiership next season with Exeter Chiefs and Northampton Saints bidding for his services.

Destructive and powerful back row Moriarty joined the Dragons in the summer of 2018 after moving from Gloucester.

Having played for England Under 18 and Under 20, Moriarty made his Wales international debut against Ireland in August, 2015.

He originally missed out on selection for Warren Gatland’s 2015 World Cup squad but was brought in after Eli Walker’s hamstring injury forced the Ospreys winger out of the tournament.

DID YOU KNOW? Moriarty’s father Paul played in the first World Cup in 1987 before forging a successful rugby league career with Widnes.

The three-cap Wales International made his international debut during the 2022 Autumn Nations Series.

With the 60 cap rule to represent Wales set to be scrapped, the centre would be free to make the move to Sandy park and continue his international career.

According to Midi Olimpique, the 20-year-old is close to agreeing a deal but is waiting to the rule change to be confirmed. Ospreys hooker Nicky Smith is also linked with a move to Sandy Park.

Hawkins first featured in the Wales U20 squad at the age of just 17 and made his regional debut for the Ospreys as an 18-year-old.

Equally adept at both outside-half and centre and a proficient goal kicker, Hawkins studied BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Sport (Performance and Excellence) at Neath Port Talbot College.

Hawkins hails from Ystalyfera and is a former student at Cwmtawe Comprehensive School, playing most of his youth rugby at Pontardawe RFC with time also spent at Neath Athletic.

He graduated through the Ospreys’ academy after playing for Swansea Valley in the Dewar Shield, with a brief stint at Aberavon cut short by the coronavirus pandemic.

Linked with a move to Exeter Chiefs by The Rugby Paper, Newcastle's versatile back-rower would add some serious bite to Exeter's depleted pack.

Part of the Falcons squad which earned promotion during 2019-20, Chick recovered from a serious knee injury during the back half of the 2020-21 season and earned an England call-up for their summer tests, making his debut against the USA at Twickenham in July 2021.

Scoring four tries in his 21 appearances during 2021-22, including captaining the side on a number of occasions, Chick went on to play for England in their end-of-season fixture against the Barbarians.

Chiefs have been linked with a potential move for Bristol Bears hooker Harry Thacker who has spent the last five years in the West Country.

The 28-year-old former England U20 international, above, has been playing for the Bears since leaving his hometown club Leicester Tigers where he started his career.

Rob Baxter is in the market for another hooker after it was confirmed Luke Cowan-Dickie will join Montpellier next season.

Baxter is looking at Racing 92’s versatile Fijian international Ben Volavola as they search for someone to replace Joe Simmonds, who will reportedly leave the club this summer.

The 31-year-old fly-half has been well-travelled since starting his career in Australia with the Waratahs a decade ago.

He has yet to play in the Premiership, but that could be about to change.