John Baxter Begins Term as Exeter Rugby Club President

Exeter Rugby Club are proud to announce that former player and Chairman John Baxter has officially been appointed to the role of Club President.

John, who is the father of current Director of Rugby Rob and triple centurion Richie, made his Exeter debut during the 1962/63 season.

Having joined from Crediton RFC as an aspiring second rower, John went on to play for Exeter for a total of 10 seasons while simultaneously representing Devon RFC from 1964 to 1972.

In that time, he was selected to represent the region against notable overseas opposition including South Africa, Fiji, Australia and Romania before, in 1972, he lined up alongside brother Paul to face off against the All Blacks.

Having hung up his boots, John became Chairman of the Club in 1990 for a seven-year term as Exeter rose through the national ranks on their way to an eventual Premiership berth – a promotion overseen by son Rob.

A Life Member of the club, it was agreed at the AGM in November 2023 that John would be appointed President for a three-year term.

The summer double header friendly against Cornish Pirates and London Scottish this Saturday [August 24] at Sandy Park marks John’s first game in his new position.

John takes over the position from former President Roger Pugsley who sadly passed away last July at the age of 84 having been a Life Member who first joined the club in the mid-1950s as a 16-year-old.

The club are privileged to have John Baxter as Club President.