Exeter bring in two ex-PREM players to strengthen coaching team

Exeter Chiefs boss Rob Baxter has moved to strengthen his coaching staff following the departure of Ricky Pellow by bringing in former Northampton Saints star James Wilson and former Bristol Bears lock Glen Townson.

Skills coach Pellow, 47, became the fourth coach to leave Sandy Park in just over a year after their recent PREM Rugby Cup clash with the Bears, having spent 16 years as part of Rob Baxter’s backroom team.

He helped the club win promotion to the Premiership in 2010 and went on to secure two English titles and the 2020 European Champions Cup. And now Baxter has responded swiftly by recruiting replacements.

Wilson, 42, who could play in mutiple backline positions, is best known for his four-year spell at Franklin’s Gardens, including coming off the bench during the historic Aviva Premiership title win in 2014.

He also played in their European Challenge Cup victory that same season and transitioned into coaching after a lengthy playing career across New Zealand, France, England and Japan.

Invercargill-born Wilson has been coaching Southland, where he has had two spells as a player after retiring in 2001 following a season with Mitsubishi Sagamihara Dynaboars in Japan, but has recently announced his departure.

“The last five seasons coaching, plenty to be proud of. Childhood dream to play for Southland, grown-up goal to have shared my experiences and coached this team I am deeply proud of.

“Huge thank you to the players and coaching staff who’ve poured everything into the jersey. Happily, now a Stags supporter (again) from afar. Antlers Up,” he wrote on Instagram.

Meanwhile, Townson, who started his career with Sale Sharks while studying for a Masters in Chemistry at the University of Manchester, spent the bulk of his pro career in the West Country.

He made over 112 appearances for the Bears, where he has been on the coaching staff, and has also worked for Ealing Trailfinders after a spell in West London as a player.