Dave Ewers will continue his long association with Exeter after signing a new contract at the club. The 6'4, 125kg forward was never capped under either Stuart Lancaster or Eddie Jones' current regime.
Stuart Hogg and Exeter were left furious with how their defeat to Northampton ended with a charged-down conversion attempt.
Exeter boss Rob Baxter said in midweek he wouldn't 'lump' all his Test players into his team but Scotland captain Stuart Hogg is included.
Exeter Chiefs' assistant coach Ali Hepher praised the performances of former Wales wing Alex Cuthbert, whose excellent solo try made the difference.
Sam Simmonds bagged two tries as Exeter saw off 14-man London Irish but his brother Joe missed the second half at Sandy Park.
Defending champions Exeter hosting joint top rivals Bristol is the game of the weekend it the latest round of Gallagher Premiership fixtures.
All of the starting line-ups for the Gallagher Premiership Round Four action this Boxing Day and Christmas weekend.