RFU and Exeter Chiefs confirm Sandy Park to get England A international

The RFU and Exeter Chiefs have confirmed that Sandy Park will host England A’s fixture against an Ireland XV on February 20, 2027.

Mark Mapletoft’s side will head to Devon during the 2027 Guinness Six Nations, with the fixture taking place a week before England A face Chile at Kingsholm in Gloucester.

While it has hosted many England Women’s games in recent years, the match will be the first men’s England A representative fixture at Sandy Park since 2012, when England Saxons defeated the Irish Wolfhounds 23-17.

The Saxons also beat Italy A 34-5 back in 2007 at the stadium.

England A was re-established in 2024 and a number of Chiefs players have featured for the side over the past two years, including Ethan Roots, Greg Fisilau and Will Butt.

England Rugby head of men’s player pathway and England A head coach Mapletoft said: “We’re really looking forward to playing at Sandy Park, which is a fantastic venue for our players to experience. It’s an opportunity for the group to perform in a great rugby environment and embrace everything that comes with the occasion. We’re excited to get down to Exeter and hopefully put on a performance the supporters can enjoy.”

Exeter director of rugby Rob Baxter welcomed the decision to take the fixture to Devon.

“I’m delighted Sandy Park has been chosen as the host venue for this match. Rugby is thriving in the South West and it is testament to our set-up here that England’s representative side will follow the women’s Rugby World Cup and the Red Roses in hosting matches here.

“It also provides a prime opportunity for our players on the outskirts of the international set-up to put up their hands for selection with impressive performances in our league and European fixtures in the lead-up to the early 2027 international block.”

Tickets go on general sale on September 6 at 12pm, with a priority sales window already open for Exeter Chiefs season members through their TicketHub accounts. Adult tickets start at £18, while under-16 tickets are priced from £5.