Chiefs squad to face Bristol Bears XV

By Mark Stevens
14/10/22

Ricky Pellow has called on his young Exeter Chiefs side to pick up from where they left off at Ashton Gate when they tackle a Bristol Bears XV in tomorrow's friendly at Sandy Park (3pm).

The Cornishman watched on with great satisfaction as his side started their Premiership Rugby Cup campaign with a 35-20 victory over the Bears last month.

Now, the two clubs are set to lock horns again - albeit in a hastily-arranged friendly - following the announcement earlier this week that Exeter's Round Six clash with Wasps in the Gallagher Premiership had been called off.

"The group are excited to get back out playing again," said Pellow. "This game is another chance for them to not only go out and show what they can do in an Exeter Chiefs jersey, but also play in front of what should be a great crowd at the weekend."

In what was supposed to be a weekend 'double header' - this game was supposed to follow the scheduled clash with Wasps - Pellow is delighted that the clash still goes ahead and that supporters of the club will get to see rugby at Sandy Park.

"Obviously, everyone is saddened to hear the news coming out of Wasps this week," he added. "It's a tough period for all clubs and we wish everyone connected to Wasps the very best moving forward. At the same time, we're grateful to Bristol for agreeing to have this fixture with us. Games like this play a huge part in the development of our young players, especially when they get to play here at Sandy Park and in front of our supporters.

"We've had some very good training sessions leading up to the game and now we're looking to put that work into practice against what should be a good Bristol Bears side. Whenever you play them, you know you're going to be in for a tough game and I've no doubt this will be the same."

Season ticket holders, together with those supporters who purchased tickets for the Wasps game, are all welcome to attend tomorrow's game.

Exeter Chiefs can confirm that all members of the first-team squad will be in attendance at the game. Those not featuring on the pitch will be located in and around the stadium, interacting with supporters in our various bars, shops and across the Super Saturday match-day experience.

The stadium opens from 12 noon as normal and all regular match-day entertainment will be put on, both pre and post-match.