Rob Baxter and three of his staff agree lengthy extensions at Exeter - reports

High-flying Exeter have handed Rob Baxter and three of his staff contract extensions taking through to summer 2023. 

The 2017 Premiership champions are currently third in this season’s league and sit top of their Champions Cup pool heading into this Sunday’s home fixture versus English rivals Sale. 

Now they have given themselves some added pep heading into that Sandy Park tie, the club agreeing to fresh terms with the director of rugby, Baxter, along with head coach Ali Hepher, forwards coach Rob Hunter and skills coach Ricky Pellow.

The extension has Baxter contracted through to what would be his 14th season with the club he first took charge of in 2009/10 when they were still in the Championship. Hepher and Pellow have been with him on the entire journey since then, with Hunter joining in 2013. 

“I’m absolutely delighted to have agreed to a new three-year contract extension,” said Baxter to his club’s website, www.exeterchiefs.co.uk.

(Continue reading below...)

“However, I’m even more pleased that the other coaches have also agreed to similar extensions. It’s a real indication of how happy we all are working alongside one another each day.

“Together, we understand the ambitions of the club moving forward - and of how exciting this next period is going to be for the rugby club. 

“As a group, we all feel that everything we want to achieve can be achieved here over these next three years, so it’s exciting times for all of us and I’m looking forward to us building on the fantastic foundations we have laid as a collective group.”

Tony Rowe, the club chairman and chief executive, added: “This really is fantastic news. In Rob, Ali, Rob and Ricky we have the best English coaches in the business. As a coaching team, not only do they continue to drive our great club forward on all fronts, but they are at the forefront of making the Chiefs who we are.

“The success they have brought to the club during their time in charge is there for all to see and I’ve no doubt that in these coming years they will continue to drive us onwards and upwards.”

WATCH: Follow all the action from the Heineken Champions Cup in the RugbyPass Live Match Centre with commentary, stats, news and more, plus live streaming in some places – click Sign Up Now to see what is available in your region