Exeter Chiefs are facing a significant leadership upheaval as director of rugby Rob Baxter and head coach Ali Rowe have left the club. The departures come amid a challenging season for the Premiership side, who have struggled to maintain their previous high standards.
Baxter, who led Exeter to two Premiership titles and a Champions Cup, expressed mixed emotions about the exodus of key players. He described feeling 'sad' and 'frustrated' to see homegrown stars like Jack Nowell leave for France, but acknowledged the need for squad rebuilding.
The departures of England internationals Luke Cowan-Dickie and Sam Simmonds to Montpellier, along with Nowell's expected move, highlight the impact of the Premiership's tightened £5 million salary cap. Baxter noted that while rebuilding is an ongoing process, the club must maintain strong fundamentals to navigate tough times.
Exeter currently sit mid-table and face a crucial match against Northampton. A loss could further derail their season, but Baxter remains focused on the long-term health of the club. The leadership changes add uncertainty to an already turbulent period at Sandy Park.
