Hepburn happy to lead from the front

By Mark Stevens
5/2/22

Having been front and centre for much of Exeter’s Premiership push in recent seasons, Chiefs’ prop Alec Hepburn insists he is again ready to lead by example between now and the end of the season.

Unlike previous campaigns where the Devon club have been safely ensconced in the top two of the division, a combination of varying factors has seen Rob Baxter’s side back amongst the chasing pack and with work to do if they are to secure a sixth successive appearance in the end of season final at Twickenham.

It’s a challenge, however, that Hepburn and his team-mates are keen to embrace, starting with today’s visit of Wasps to Sandy Park.

“Considering where we are in the table, it’s pretty much knockout rugby every week from now,” said the England international. “If we want to be contesting those knockout games come the end of the season, we really have to work hard. That, however, is a great challenge for all of us and it’s something that is definitely exciting.

“As a squad, we know we have work to do. We can’t allow ourselves to fall away, so the need for points is pretty obvious in that respect.”

Indeed it is, but for Hepburn – who returns today from a three-game suspension – stepping up to the mark is nothing new. Like many of the current Chiefs, they live for pulling on the jersey on a match-day and having been forced to watch from the sidelines in recent weeks, he can’t wait to get back amongst the cut and thunder of the game.

“Not playing feels great up until kick-off,” he laughs. “Beforehand, I’ll happily relax and not do too much, but when the game kicks off, you just want to be out there and be part of it all. If I’m not, I get jealous that those players are ones who are out there doing it. I don’t like feeling helpless just watching.”

To help curb that very issue, Hepburn adopted the role of ‘water boy’ during last weekend’s trip to London Irish, helping to form that communication bridge between the coaches in the stand and those in action on the field.

“It was interesting having one foot in each camp,” he said. “Certainly, you see a bit more and having a bit more input into things, but I’d much prefer being on the pitch. If I take a silver lining from these last few weeks out, it’s allowed me to get some solid training under my belt. I’ll see if I need an extra lung on Saturday, but I’ve definitely put in some good sessions.”

In his absence, others within the squad have had to step up and help fill the void left by those away on international duty and those current on the sidelines with injury.

“In a good way, this group are going to play a lot over these next few weeks,” added Hepburn. “That will be good for continuity and can only help with us getting better. As the coaches have said, we’re looking to improve week on week. Whether that’s in training or in games, we need to learn from everything.

“Last week at London Irish was a huge effort from the guys and we will need that again this week and moving forward. Wasps, we know, are playing well. They are picking up results, their defence looks good and they look hungry. It’s going to be a challenge, but it always is against them, so we have to be ready to meet that physical threat head on.”