Exeter Chiefs confirm ANOTHER coach’s exit in a bid to solve ‘clear disconnect’ with ex-England fly-half primed as successor
Exeter Chiefs coach Ali Hepher watching his side warm up in the 2024/25 season
Exeter Chiefs coach Ali Hepher has left the club by mutual consent, following his suspension last month in the wake of their 79-17 defeat to Gloucester.
Hepher had served as the Chiefs’ head coach since 2017, but stepped back to allow Rob Hunter to take the reins in March.
He also follows Hunter out of the club, with the head coach also leaving Exeter by mutual consent.
Ali Hepher leaves Exeter Chiefs by mutual consent
In a statement, Chiefs CEO and chairman Tony Rowe said: “Ali has contributed immensely to Exeter Rugby Club over a long period of sustained success. His influence on our coaching environment and playing culture has been considerable and I would like to wish him all the best for the future”
Chiefs director of rugby Rob Baxter added: “Working alongside Ali for so many seasons has been a genuine privilege. His insight, energy, and passion for the game have helped drive this club forward in countless ways and I know everyone here will join me in thanking him for all he’s done.”
The former Northampton Saints player joined the Exeter coaching ticket in 2009, serving as backs coach under Baxter, and played a crucial role in the club’s promotion to the top flight and later Premiership and European glory.
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He later became head coach in 2017, taking over following Baxter’s move to director of rugby, and helped take the Devonians to a Premiership and Champions Cup double.
After stepping back from the head coach role earlier this season to revert back to his role with the backs, Hepher was set to take up a new post within the club’s academy as a transition coach, however the club have now confirmed he will take a break from the sport to spend more time with his family.
His exit also paves the way for the Chiefs to confirm the arrival of Dave Walder, who Planet Rugby understands has been lined up to join the coaching ticket for next season.
The departure of Hunter and now Hepher also comes after a damning statement from Rowe, who previously said there was a ‘clear disconnect’ between the coaching staff and the players.
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“There has been a clear disconnect between the playing squad and the coaching staff, and it is something we simply cannot allow to continue,” Rowe said.
“Exeter Rugby Club is built on togetherness, hard work and shared standards, and right now, those foundations need reinforcing.”
Exeter end their campaign with an away trip to Harlequins and a final home match against play-off hopefuls Sale Sharks.
