Exeter Chiefs suspend two coaches after record Gloucester defeat 'pending full review', Rob Baxter to take interim charge
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Updated 29/04/2025 at 09:49 GMT+1
Exeter Chiefs have taken action in the wake of a record-breaking defeat to Gloucester by suspending head coach Rob Hunter and attack coach Ali Hepher. The move marks the club's second coaching shake-up in a month, and comes after a 79-17 Gallagher Premiership Rugby loss that marked the club's heaviest top-flight defeat. Director of Rugby Rob Baxter will take charge on an interim basis.
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Exeter Chiefs head coach Rob Hunter and attack coach Ali Hepher have been suspended by the Gallagher Premiership Rugby club following a record defeat to Gloucester.
The Chiefs suffered a 79-17 reverse at Kingsholm on Sunday that marked their heaviest top-flight loss and the low point of a disappointing season.
Exeter took swift action after the result by suspending Hunter and Hepher on Monday "pending a full review of the match and the 2024/25 season to date".
It has been confirmed that Director of Rugby Rob Baxter will move into a "front-line coaching role to oversee the remainder of the season" on an interim basis.
Exeter Chiefs CEO Tony Rowe said: "No final decision regarding the club’s coaching structure going forward has been made, and it would be improper to make any further comment until all internal procedures have been completed."
Gloucester ran in a record 13 tries in the rout at Kingsholm to inflict Exeter’s heaviest-ever defeat.
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Highlights: Gloucester score 13 TRIES in record-breaking win over Exeter
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The changes made in the aftermath were not the first of the season, as Hepher was previously demoted from his position as head coach in March to be replaced by Hunter.
Exeter lost 52-38 away to Bristol in their first match under the new set-up, before beating bottom side Newcastle 17-15 and pushing league leaders Bath close in a 26-24 defeat two weeks ago.
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However, the manner of defeat to Gloucester forced another change as a difficult season continued.
Exeter sit second-bottom of the standings with 21 points, 17 adrift of Harlequins above them, after picking up three wins in 15 games this campaign.
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Additionally, they lost all four of their Champions Cup matches against Sharks, Toulouse, Bordeaux Begles and Ulster.
Exeter’s 69-17 defeat to Bordeaux was a club record defeat in Europe.
Next up for Chiefs is the visit of Northampton Saints on Sunday, May 11.
Their season concludes with a trip to Harlequins on May 18 and a home game against Sale Sharks on May 31.
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