Hepher hopeful over Whitten

By Mark Stevens
25/4/18

Ali Hepher remains hopeful that Exeter Chiefs back Ian Whitten can figure in the club's upcoming Aviva Premiership semi-final next month.

The Ulsterman is currently sidelined after breaking a bone in his hand during Exeter's 45-5 victory over London Irish a fortnight ago.

A virtual ever-present in the Chiefs ranks this season, the loss of the versatile back is an untimely blow for the defending Premiership champions, who this Saturday entertain Sale Sharks at a sold out Sandy Park.

The 30-year-old is set to miss that encounter and his side's final-day trip to Harlequins on May 5, but head coach Hepher is hopeful Whitten will be back in contention for the play-off clash two weeks later.

"He's putting himself through as much as he possibly can, he's going to give himself the best shot he can," said Hepher. "We'll give him that time and see how he progresses over the next couple of weeks."

This season Whitten has featured in each of Exeter's 20 Premiership matches - starting 17 - as well as starting all six of the Chiefs' European Champions Cup games.

"The prognosis is it might be tight, but if anyone can get back ahead of schedule it'll be 'Whits' because he's thoroughly professional," added Hepher. "What he brings is the physicality at pace, and you shouldn't underestimate his skill level, he's got the ability to move the ball into the right spaces.

"He leads various different stages of our defence as well and he's a driven individual, he wants to win at everything he plays in."

Although the loss of Whitten will certainly be felt, the Chiefs this week welcomed back fellow centres Michele Campagnaro and Max Bodilly after long-term injuries. Both featured for the Exeter Braves in their A League semi-final win over Newcastle Falcons on Monday evening.