Baxter rings the changes as Chiefs return to action

Young winger Lilley is handed his debut in Sandy Park clash with Northampton

- STUART JAMES

IT has certainly been a period of change, involving plenty of soul searching, at Exeter Chiefs, since they last ran out for Premiership action and suffered a humiliating 79-17 defeat at Gloucester.

Since then, club chief executive and chairman Tony Rowe, who was seen animatedly dishing out some harsh words in the Kingsholm dressing room post-match, has conducted an internal review that led to the suspension and ultimate dismissal of head coach Rob Hunter.

Hunter lasted just four games in the Sandy Park hotseat, while fellow coach Ali Hepher remains on gardening leave after he too was suspended. It is unknown whether he will return to a role identified for him, which he was due to start in the summer, helping players transition from the Academy to the Chiefs' first team.