Huge disconnect cannot continue at Chiefs - Rowe

Exeter CEO insists the club's foundations need reinforcing after Gloucester debacle

- STUART JAMES [e-mail]

EXETER Chiefs chairman and CEO Tony Rowe has pointed to a 'clear disconnect' between the players and coaching staff at Sandy Park, which he says simply cannot be allowed to continue.

Rowe was seen delivering some harsh words to the players and staff in the changing room at Kingsholm last Sunday, just minutes after the Chiefs' record 79-17 hammering by Gloucester.

On Monday, Rowe then took the decision to suspend head coach Rob Hunter and attack coach Ali Hepher, whilst installing director of rugby Rob Baxter into a more hands-on coaching role for the remainder of the season. As part of the club's long-term strategy, a comprehensive review of the current coaching team is also underway. This process will ensure that Chiefs are equipped with the right people, skills and energy to meet the demands of the 2025/26 season and beyond, but Rowe's latest words suggest that there will be no return to Sandy Park for Hunter or Hepher.