exeter chiefs travel north to Newcastle for a Gallagher PREM round 12 clash with the Red Bulls, kick-off 19: 45 ET; the club says the match will be broadcast and will have radio coverage. Exeter have named a starting XV that features Nick Lilley’s return and confirmed Jack Yeandle as captain. Director of rugby Rob Baxter frames the fixture as a high-stakes test as the top of the table tightens.
Exeter Chiefs team news
Exeter Chiefs have included England U20s centre Nick Lilley in the starting line-up for the trip north; the club notes this marks Lilley’s first appearance since he came off the bench in the 38-15 home win over the Red Bulls in October. Also named in the starting XV are Rusi Tuima and Will Rigg.
Jack Yeandle leads the side from hooker, flanked by Scott Sio and Jimmy Roots. Tuima pairs with Andrea Zambonin in the second row while Dafydd Jenkins is rested after heavy involvement in the international tournament. The back row keeps Tom Hooper, who retained his place after a player-of-the-match display against Sale Sharks, alongside Ross Vintcent and Greg Fisilau.
Half-back duties are entrusted to Stephen Varney and Harvey Skinner, who started together in round 11 and combined for the bonus-point try. Lilley and Rigg form the midfield partnership. The back three remains Campbell Ridl and Paul Brown-Bampoe on the wings with Olly Woodburn at full-back.
The replacements list includes Ethan Burger and Bachuki Tchumbadze among the front-row options, with hooker Julian Heaven preparing for his first outing against the Red Bulls since his move to Devon. Finn Worley Brady and Lewis Pearson are named on the bench, while the replacement backs complete the matchday 23 with Tom Cairns, Will Haydon-Wood and Dan John.
Immediate reaction: Rob Baxter on the pressure and challenge
Rob Baxter, director of rugby, Exeter Chiefs, set the tone for the evening: “It’s very tight at the top of the table and it’d be very easy to drop back out of the top four, so that’s what creates the pressure game by game. You either use that as a real positive to fight for everything or it becomes a negative. “
Baxter added context on the mindset: “I like to talk about the positive that things are in our hands, so let’s make the most of it and play like we deserve to win games to stay in the top four. ” He also warned about the venue: “Kingston Park has always been a challenge. I don’t think we’ve ever gone up there and won what you’d call a ‘simple, regulation game’. I’m not expecting this week to be any different. “
Quick context
Nick Lilley has returned to club action after appearances with the England U20s and his last club outing was as a substitute in Exeter’s 38-15 win over the Red Bulls in October. Baxter noted that Newcastle are dangerous if given something to fight for, referencing their tight result against Northampton Saints as evidence of their attacking intent.
What’s next
Kick-off is set for 19: 45 ET and Exeter Chiefs confirm the match will be available on broadcast and radio platforms. Expect late changes to the matchday 23 if coaches react to injuries or fitness concerns; attention will shift immediately after the whistle to how results elsewhere in the table affect the scramble for the top four. exeter chiefs will look to use this fixture as a platform to stay inside that fight, with Baxter’s selection and message setting clear expectations for a tough night at Kingston Park.
