Gallagher PREM 2025/26 squads rated - Exeter Chiefs

After a horrible season, the worst in the club’s PREM history, the Chiefs will be hoping for stability and success in 2025/26.

A lack of leadership and experience in key areas cost Exeter dearly on their way to a ninth-place finish. The Chiefs suffered a record defeat at Gloucester and were one of only two teams to be beaten by Newcastle, the only side below them in the table.

All the while, there was talk of a disconnect between coaches and players, with Chairman and CEO Tony Rowe very vocal in his criticism.

Coaches have come and gone, Rob Baxter has been moved back into a more hands-on role, and it’s hoped that this summer’s recruitment will have addressed some of the problem positions.

Here’s our take on the depth of the squad heading into the new PREM season.

Loosehead: Kwenzo Blose, Ethan Burger*, Will Goodrick-Clarke, Khwezi Mona*, Scott Sio
Wallaby Scott Sio is still the standout loosehead, while the sizeable Will Goodrick-Clarke will be hoping to put last season’s troubles behind him and establish himself as the next in line. The Chiefs have added some South African beef, too, but it remains to be seen how much of an impact they will make. Depth rating: 6.5/10

Hooker: Joseph Dweba, Louie Gulley, Julian Heaven, Sol Moody, Max Norey, Jack Yeandle
By all accounts, Springbok Joseph Dweba has looked very good in pre-season and Julian Heaven also comes with a good reputation. Steady-eddy Jack Yeandle is probably entering his swansong season and will want to leave things in good order, while young Louie Gully is one to watch. Depth rating: 7.5/10

Tighthead: Josh Iosefa-Scott, Ehren Painter, Jimmy Roots, Bachuki Tchumbadze*
With Ehren Painter still injured, the Chiefs will be looking to Josh Iosefa-Scott to continue the form that won him England A recognition last season. Georgian Bachuki Tchumbadze should add plenty of scrummaging power. Depth rating: 6.5/10

Lock: Joe Bailey, Oscar Beckerleg, Alfie Bell, Dafydd Jenkins, Lewis Pearson+, Christ Tshiunza+, Andrea Zambonin
With three internationals to choose from, Rob Baxter isn’t short of lock options, and Alfie Bell looks the pick of the young crop of second rows. Dafydd Jenkins is a class operator, but the Chiefs need his fellow Welshman, Tshiunza, to dominate more than he does. At 6’8, Italian Andrea Zambonin will be a towering presence. Depth rating: 7.5

Back-row: Richard Capstick+, Greg Fisilau, Tom Hooper+, Kane James, Martin Maloney, Ethan Roots, Rusi Tuima+, Ross Vintcent
Jacques Vermeulen’s departure to Sale is a blow, but Exeter still have plenty of quality here. Wallaby Tom Hooper is one of the Chiefs’ signature signings and will likely play blindside, Ross Vintcent and Greg Fisilau offer dynamism and power at the back of the pack, and Kane James is ultra competitive. Richard Capstick will miss the first few months of the season, so they have been scored down slightly for that reason. Depth rating: 8/10

Scrum-half: Will Becconsall, Tom Cairns, Charlie Chapman, Stephen Varney
Ex-Gloucester duo, Italian international Stephen Varney and Charlie Chapman, have arrived to hopefully provide quicker ball. Will Becconsall, who you’d ordinarily expect to be third in line, damaged his shoulder against the Pirates in pre-season, so they are one scrum-half light. Depth rating: 7/10

Fly-half: Ben Coen, Will Haydon-Wood, Iwan Jenkins, Harvey Skinner
Exeter’s lack of star dust at 10 remains a worry. England U20s playmaker Ben Coen has the potential to be a good PREM 10, but is still raw in top-flight experience, while Will Haydon-Wood and Harvey Skinner appear to be much of a muchness in terms of quality. Chiefs need someone to run the show, like a Finn Russell or a George Ford, and you wouldn’t bank on the incumbent 10s doing that. Depth rating 6/10

Centre: Len Ikitau, Will Rigg, Henry Slade, Tamati Tua, Zack Wimbush
Despite the lack of creativity inside him, Len Ikitau will probably prove to be one of the signings of the season. Ikitau has been one of the Rugby Championship’s standout performers and will carry all day long. His partnership with the subtler skills of Henry Slade – unless Slade is forced to play as a makeshift 10 – could be a great blend. Will Rigg gives Chiefs a second crash-ball option behind Ikitau and Zac Wimbush is also a big lump. A ruptured Achilles means Tamati Tua will miss most of the season. Olly Woodburn and Ben Hammersley can also play 13 if needed. Depth rating: 8.5/10

Wing: Paul Brown-Bampoe, Immanuel Feyi-Waboso, Ben Hammersley, Olly Woodburn
Paul Brown-Bampoe lit up the Premiership last year and was one of the Chiefs’ few shining lights. If he can maintain that form and Immanuel Feyi-Waboso’s current injury setback is only short-term, the Chiefs have two of the best finishers around. Otherwise, they’ll need some of the academy lads to come through and compete with Hammersley and Woodburn. Depth rating: 7/10

Full-back: Josh Hodge, Dan John, Tommy Wyatt
Tommy Wyatt is still out with his ACL injury and Dan John is not fit at the moment, either, so it’s a good job Josh Hodge is due to be back anytime soon. Hammersley and Haydon-Wood can fill in at 15, if needed. Depth rating: 6/10

Overall rating: 70.5

Gallagher PREM ratings table

1. Bath – 83pts
2. Northampton – 80pts
3. Leicester – 78.5pts
4= Bristol – 78pts
4= Sale Sharks – 78pts
6. Exeter Chiefs – 70.5pts
7. Gloucester – 68pts

Players listed alphabetically: *Can play both sides of the scrum, + lock/back row