Exeter Chiefs player ratings vs Ulster | 2025/26 Challenge Cup

Exeter Chiefs player ratings: Exeter Chiefs were a shell of the team they have been for much of the season as they lost to Ulster 29-12 in the Challenge Cup semi-final on Saturday.

In an error-strewn match, the visitors never really got going, and drifted further away from Ulster as the match progressed. Here’s how the players rated:

15 Ben Hammersley – 5
A difficult evening that ended on a sour note. His late yellow card for a deliberate knock-on summed up Exeter’s frustrations as the game slipped away. Offered little attacking spark and was exposed under pressure.

14 Campbell Ridl – 8
Exeter’s brightest threat by some distance. Constantly looked dangerous ball in hand, beating five defenders and making 72 metres. His late consolation try was well deserved after a lively display that included multiple line breaks and a persistent willingness to attack.

13 Henry Slade – 6
An off night by his high standards. Missed an early kick and never quite imposed himself on proceedings. Defensively busy with nine tackles, but also missed three and couldn’t influence the game in the way Exeter needed.

12 Len Ikitau – 6.5
Showed moments of quality, notably with a superb effort to hold Juarno Augustus up over the line. Carried for solid metres and defended well enough, but didn’t quite manage to unlock Ulster’s midfield.

11 Immanuel Feyi-Waboso – 5
Took a heavy high shot from Jacob Stockdale and was visibly distressed before leaving the field. Had looked lively prior to that with a line break, but his involvement was cut short.

10 Harvey Skinner – 5
Struggled to control the game. Spotted a gap but had the ball ripped in contact, which summed up Exeter’s inability to capitalise on opportunities. Put in 11 tackles but lacked attacking authority.

9 Stephen Varney – 6
Showed glimpses with a sharp break and beat five defenders, but couldn’t generate sustained momentum. Distribution was tidy enough, but Exeter’s attack lacked cohesion.

1 Scott Sio – 6
Put in a solid defensive shift with 12 tackles and even won a turnover, but the scrum battle was inconsistent and Exeter struggled to build a platform.

2 Max Norey – 4.5
Penalised early for taking a player off the ball, gifting Ulster territory and points. The lineout malfunctioned, including a costly steal in a promising position. A game to forget.

3 Bachuki Tchumbadze – 5
Worked hard around the field with 10 tackles, but was penalised at the scrum in the second half, an area Exeter would have wanted to dominate in. Couldn’t provide the solidity Exeter needed up front.

4 Dafydd Jenkins – 7
A massive defensive shift, as ever, from the Welshman. Led all players with 21 tackles and put himself about physically. However, couldn’t translate that effort into dominance as Ulster edged the collisions.

5 Andrea Zambonin – 6
Another who put in a big defensive shift with 14 tackles, but like Jenkins, was part of a pack that struggled to assert control. Quiet in attack.

6 Tom Hooper – 5
A frustrating performance. Penalised multiple times for holding on and appeared to lose his composure at key moments. Did produce a strong effort to hold Augustus up over the line, but discipline issues proved costly.

7 Christ Tshiunza – 7
One of Exeter’s better forwards. Claimed a big lineout steal and worked tirelessly with 14 tackles. Tried to bring energy to a pack that was often on the back foot.

8 Ross Vintcent – 7.5
A powerful presence in his own way, but maybe lacked the power Greg Fisilau brings. Carried 13 times and scored Exeter’s only meaningful try of the contest, showing strength from close range. One of the few who consistently made ground.

Replacements
16 Joseph Dweba – 5
17 Ethan Burger – 5
18 Josh Iosefa-Scott – 5
19 Rusi Tuima – 5
20 Finn Worley-Brady – N/A
21 Tom Cairns – 5
22 Will Haydon-Wood – 6
23 Nick Lilley – 6