Past Players' Day hailed a success

By Mark Stevens
8/2/18

Over 150 former Exeter Rugby Club players watched the current incumbents book their place in the semi-finals of this season's Anglo-Welsh Cup with a 43-20 victory over Saracens last weekend.

The gathering of famous names of yesteryear was all part of the club's annual Past Players' Day, which this year included numerous past captains gathering for a pre-match carvery and then post-match pint following the on-field action here at Sandy Park.

Among those to gather was former England international and past club president Dick Manley, whose playing career dates back to the 1950s, right through to modern-day times and members of the Chiefs during the Premiership era.

Past player John Lockyer, who these days is part of Radio Devon's match-day commentary team for all Exeter fixtures, was part of the gathering and hailed what was the big gathering to date.

"It was brilliant to see so many former players in one place," said Lockyer. "With good old Dick Manley in attendance it meant we had players dating back from every decade until the 1950s, which was simply fantastic.

"I know for a few of them it's the first time they've been to Sandy Park and seen a game, but it was great to relive old times and catch up with one or two people that we haven't seen in a long time."