Exeter Chiefs player ratings vs Sale Sharks | 2025/26 Gallagher PREM

Exeter Chiefs player ratings: Exeter Chiefs returned to winning ways in the Gallagher PREM with a 26-14 victory over Sale Sharks at Sandy Park on Saturday to climb into the top four.

It was not flawless from the Chiefs, but off the back of two PREM losses in January and a heavy defeat to Leicester Tigers in the PREM Rugby Cup last week, this was a good way to respond.

Here’s how the players rated:

15 Olly Woodburn – 7
Woodburn capped off a lively display with a corner try to seal the bonus point. He carried strongly throughout and was often at the heart of Chiefs’ attacking bursts, breaching the Sale defence repeatedly. One handling error late on didn’t cost the team, but he remains a consistent threat out wide.

14 Paul Brown-Bampoe – 8
A physically imposing performance from Brown-Bampoe. He carried hard, defended well, and even held up a try in the first half. His high-ball handling let him down in the second period, missing a tricky cross-field kick, but he ended the day on a high, finishing off the interplay between Skinner and Varney for the bonus-point try. A display of impact and aggression.

13 Henry Slade – 6
Slade had a quiet but effective outing. Contributed defensively with 12 tackles and two defenders beaten, but missed a handful of tackles. He remains central to Chiefs’ midfield game, though his attacking spark was limited.

12 Will Rigg – 6
Rigg’s defensive work was patchy. He missed a crucial cover tackle on Tom O’Flaherty, allowing Sale to create a dangerous opportunity. Offensively, he made 11 carries and a tackle count of 10, but his overall impact was muted. A solid workmanlike display.

11 Campbell Ridl – 8
Ridl was arguably the pick of the backs, scoring Exeter’s second try with a classy line and clever footwork to outmanoeuvre O’Flaherty one-on-one. He also carried hard in open play and linked effectively with his midfield partners. The former England U20 talent is living up to expectations.

10 Harvey Skinner – 7.5
Skinner’s creativity was central to the Chiefs’ bonus-point try, combining beautifully with Varney. He made five carries, two defenders beaten, and some eye-catching breaks. Could have capped his display with a try after intercepting at halfway late on, but fumbled the ball near the line. Overall, he orchestrated the attack efficiently.

9 Stephen Varney – 8
Varney’s clever support play led to the opening try, and he combined perfectly with Skinner for Brown-Bampoe’s score. His passing accuracy was strong, though he did miss three tackles. Varney’s energy and vision made a tangible difference throughout.

1 Scott Sio – 5
Sio had a tough day in the scrum, being overpowered as Sale scored against the head for their second try. He made four carries and five tackles, but his influence in set-pieces was limited. He will look to bounce back in upcoming fixtures.

2 Jack Yeandle – 7
Yeandle was faultless at the lineout, ensuring a solid platform for the Chiefs’ ball. Six carries and nine tackles reflect a workmanlike effort, providing stability at hooker.

3 Bachuki Tchumbadze – 6
A mixed day for Tchumbadze. He was destroyed in the scrum on Sale’s second try and conceded an offside penalty in a crucial phase, but his work rate was decent with five carries and seven tackles.

4 Dafydd Jenkins – 7.5
Jenkins was industrious, making two turnovers and completing 21 tackles. His work at the breakdown was consistent, providing steel in the middle of the park.

5 Andrea Zambonin – 7
Zambonin was strong defensively and made a massive hit late to stop a potential try. Six carries, eight tackles, and an offload highlight his contribution to the Chiefs’ forward platform.

6 Tom Hooper – 9
Player of the match. Hooper’s presence at the breakdown was decisive, winning penalties and turnovers at critical moments. His big tackle in the second half and early penalty steal set the tone for Exeter. Six carries, one defender beaten, and 13 tackles underline his dominance.

7 Ross Vintcent – 8
Vintcent combined vision and brute force, creating two tries with intelligent support lines and pinpoint passing. He carried eight times, made 19 tackles, and was a constant threat out wide. His work in defence and attack makes him a standout performer.

8 Greg Fisilau – 6
Fisilau made a solid contribution, completing 17 tackles and five carries. While he didn’t feature heavily in attack, his defensive work was vital in keeping Sale at bay.

Replacements

16 Julian Heaven – 6
Came on and maintained stability in the front row. Two carries, five tackles.

17 Will Goodrick-Clarke – 7.5
The scrum tightened noticeably when he entered. Three tackles and six carries.

18 Jimmy Roots – 8
Roots made an immediate impact, winning scrum penalties and adding solidity to the pack.

19 Lewis Pearson – N/A
Did not feature.

20 Finn Worley-Brady – N/A
Came on in the final seconds, no real impact.

21 Tom Cairns – N/A
Did not feature.

22 Will Haydon-Wood – N/A
Did not feature.

23 Dan John – N/A
Did not feature.