Exeter statement: Friendly to replace called-off Wasps game

Exeter have moved quickly to fill the sudden void in their match calendar, announcing that they will host Bristol in a friendly at Sandy Park after it was confirmed that Wasps had pulled out of the originally scheduled Gallagher Premiership match at the ground.

Chiefs boss Rob Baxter had insisted on Wednesday morning that his squad were preparing for the fixture with Wasps to go ahead as planned and that if there were talks with Premiership Rugby regarding the match being in jeopardy, they would involve Tony Rowe and not the director of rugby.

“If that is going on with Premiership Rugby that would be Tony dealing with it. It wouldn’t be something that I am actively involved in. If it is raised I wouldn’t like to say because it would be me talking a little bit out of ignorance."

That was the view of Baxter at 9:30am but it then emerged four hours later that the Coventry-based club would definitely not be travelling to Exeter after players and staff were informed that the club will fall into administration in the next few days.

That call-off resulted in Exeter quickly firming up a plan B and although Bristol, the club they impressively beat last Friday at Ashton Gate, have a Premiership match scheduled at Gloucester this Saturday, they will now be sending an XV to Sandy Park to play the Chiefs in a friendly.

A Chiefs statement read: “Exeter Rugby Club can confirm Saturday’s scheduled Gallagher Premiership round six clash with Wasps has been called off. However, the club have moved swiftly to ensure that rugby remains at Sandy Park this weekend as we will now be hosting a friendly fixture between Exeter Chiefs and Bristol Bears (3pm).”

Chairman and CEO Rowe said: “Our match-day experiences will continue as normal for all supporters, including our Super Saturday experience, corporate offerings, as well as pre and post-match entertainment.

“For those supporters who have tickets for the Wasps fixture, these will still be valid for Saturday and we encourage everyone to come along and enjoy what will be another exciting fixture with Bristol. All match-day travel arrangements will remain in place for the game as well.

“We are saddened to hear today’s announcement made by Wasps Holdings Limited. The loss of the fixture this weekend is hugely disappointing, not only for those associated with Wasps but also our own supporters and the wider rugby community as a whole.”