Private Blog Network – Exeter Chiefs’ head coach Rob Baxter has declared he will not dwell on the club’s worst-ever season. After finishing ninth in the Premiership with just four wins, Exeter endured a tough campaign marked by heavy defeats and coaching changes. The Chiefs lost their final game 30-26 at home to third-placed Sale Sharks. Despite the loss, this was an improved performance compared to earlier matches. Baxter emphasized that his focus is now on raising the team’s future expectations rather than revisiting the failures of the past season.
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Season Overview: Struggles and Coaching Shake-Up
This season proved the most difficult in Exeter’s history, culminating in their lowest-ever Premiership finish. The club won only four league matches, two of which came against weakened sides, Saracens and Northampton. Their European campaign was equally disappointing, with Exeter losing all four games. A particularly painful moment was a 79-17 defeat at Gloucester, which stood out as the season’s low point. Following this loss, the club dismissed assistant coaches Rob Hunter and Ali Hepher. Baxter stepped up to take a more direct role in coaching the squad to steer the team back on course.
Baxter’s Vision: Raising Player Expectations
Rob Baxter has shifted his approach to focus on demanding more from his players. He insists his expectations have not dropped despite the poor results. In fact, he believes his standards exceed those of many team members. Baxter told that players must raise their own ambitions to meet his. When the team aligns with his high expectations, he predicts they will return to winning trophies and competing successfully in Europe. This clear vision sets a benchmark that Baxter wants every player to strive toward in the coming seasons.
Turning Point: Learning From the Gloucester Defeat
The crushing Gloucester defeat served as a necessary wake-up call for Exeter. Baxter described the game as a “dedicated start point” that forced the club to confront their shortcomings. He made it clear that complacency is unacceptable and stressed that players had no excuse to ignore how poorly they performed. Since that loss, the team has shown signs of improvement. The mood and intensity within the squad have changed, creating hope for a stronger performance next season. Baxter believes this moment of reckoning was essential to driving the needed changes.
Closing the Season: Signs of Progress Despite Loss
Exeter’s final Premiership match demonstrated some progress, even though they fell just short against a strong Sale side. Sale needed a win to secure their play-off spot, and Exeter pushed them hard throughout the game. Baxter acknowledged the team’s improved effort and competitiveness in recent weeks. While the overall season was disappointing, the recent displays suggest Exeter is beginning to recover. Moving forward, Baxter plans to maintain high standards and expects his squad to elevate their game to return Exeter to its winning ways in the next campaign.