Rob Hunter has been head coach for just four Premiership games Exeter have suspended head coach Rob Hunter and attack coach Ali Hepher following their record Premiership loss at Gloucester. The pair have been stood down pending what the club describe as a "full review of the match and the 2024-25 season to date" after Chiefs'79-17 loss at Kingsholm. Hunter had only been promoted to the role last month afterHepher's demotionas the struggling side tried to turn results around. Director of rugby Rob Baxter will oversee the club's coaching for the remainder of the season. "No final decision regarding the club's coaching structure going forward has been made, and it would be improper to make any further comment until all internal procedures have been completed," said Exeter chairman and chief executive Tony Rowe in a statement. After succeeding Hepher as head coach, Hunter vowed to "rip up" all areas of Exeter's game in a bid to improve their results. There had seemed to be some signs of recovery during Hunter's brief tenure after a52-38 lossat Bristol in the first game under the new set-up. Chiefs overcame fellow strugglersNewcastle 17-15and impressed as they ran leaders Bath close a couple of weeks ago -losing 24-26- before Sunday's 62-point defeat. Exeter have won just two Premiership matches this season and lost all their Champions Cup games, including a new club-record European defeat whenthey lost 69-17 to Bordeaux. The campaign has been Exeter's worst since promotion to the English top flight in 2010, and they are second-from-bottom of the Premiership. Ali Hepher (left) was Rob Baxter's first coaching appointment in 2009 Former Northampton fly-half Hepher has been part of Exeter's coaching team since Baxter took over as director of rugby in 2009, while Hunter moved to Sandy Park in 2013 after a successful spell as England Under-20s head coach. The pair have been part of the backroom team that helped the Chiefs win two Premiership titles and the 2020 European Champions Cup as they reached six consecutive Premiership finals between 2016 and 2021. But form has dipped in recent seasons and Hepher was removed as head coach on 20 March and tasked with overseeing the backs and attack strategy until the end of the season before switching to an academy role next term, with Hunter taking over as head coach. The current campaign reached a nadir at Kingsholm with Exeter conceding 13 tries in a shambolic display. Hunter, rather than director of rugby Rob Baxter, faced the media afterwards, describing the game as his "lowest point" as a coach. "In no way at all did we have any foothold in that game - nothing really held up and we gave up momentum so easily," he told BBC Radio Devon. "Right now it's important that we wear it and recognise that that is not an acceptable level of performance from anybody involved." Brent Pilnick, BBC Sport, Exeter Just when you think this season could not get any worse for Exeter, the powers that be at Sandy Park opt for a second coaching change in as many months. But Sunday's loss at Kingsholm was a shambles, with defensive confusion evident from the first few minutes as Chiefs were cut open by Gloucester time and again. Having conceded seven first-half tries, whatever was said at the interval had little effect as they let in six more after the break. Post-match television footage of Tony Rowe angrily addressing the players in the changing room only added to the sense of anxiety surrounding the club's fortunes. Where Exeter go now only time will tell - they have some experienced players coming in over the summer, led by marquee Australian signing Len Ikitau. It seems doubtful they can turn around this malaise in time for the visit of champions Northampton on 11 May, with two more games - away at Harlequins, home to Sale - to complete a torrid campaign. Maybe turning it around for next season is a tall order as well.
Exeter suspend coaches Hunter and Hepher after record loss
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Exeter Chiefs Suspend Coaches Following Record Premiership Defeat"
Bbc News
8.5
TruthLens AI Summary
Exeter Chiefs have suspended head coach Rob Hunter and attack coach Ali Hepher following a record loss of 79-17 against Gloucester in the Premiership. The decision comes after a disappointing season, with Exeter currently sitting second-from-bottom in the league and having only secured two Premiership victories. Hunter had taken over the head coach position just a month prior to the loss, following Hepher's demotion as part of the club's efforts to improve their results. Director of rugby Rob Baxter will temporarily oversee coaching duties as the club conducts a full review of the match and the season thus far. Exeter's chairman and chief executive, Tony Rowe, emphasized that no final decisions have been made regarding the coaching structure and urged for patience until internal procedures are completed.
The Chiefs have struggled significantly this season, experiencing their worst performance since their promotion to the Premiership in 2010. The team has also faced challenges in the Champions Cup, suffering a record European defeat of 69-17 to Bordeaux. Hunter's brief tenure had shown some early promise with a narrow loss to Bath and a win against Newcastle, but the latest defeat at Kingsholm highlighted severe defensive weaknesses, with the team conceding 13 tries. Hunter acknowledged the defeat as his lowest point and stressed the need for accountability among the players. With two more matches remaining in the season and the looming challenge of facing the reigning champions Northampton, Exeter's path to recovery appears daunting, compounded by the impending arrival of new players in the summer and the uncertainty surrounding their coaching future.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The article provides an insight into the recent turmoil within the Exeter Chiefs' rugby team following a significant coaching shakeup after a record loss. It highlights the challenges the team has faced this season and the subsequent decisions made by the club's leadership in response to poor performance.
Coaching Changes and Immediate Consequences
The suspension of head coach Rob Hunter and attack coach Ali Hepher signals a critical moment for the Exeter Chiefs, who are experiencing one of their worst seasons since their promotion to the Premiership. The decision follows a staggering 79-17 loss against Gloucester, prompting a full review of the team's performance and coaching structure. Hunter's promotion came just a month prior, indicating a rapid shift in expectations and responsibilities. The involvement of director of rugby Rob Baxter in overseeing coaching duties suggests a strategic move to stabilize the team, as he has a long-standing connection with the club.
Public Perception and Club Reputation
This situation likely aims to communicate accountability within the club and reassure fans and stakeholders that the management is taking decisive action to address the team's struggles. By openly discussing the review process, the club may be trying to mitigate any potential backlash from supporters who are disappointed by the team's performance. The article reflects on past successes, highlighting the achievements under previous coaching structures, which could serve to contrast the current challenges and reinforce the need for change.
Implications for the Future
The article hints at potential broader implications for the club's future, including possible changes in the coaching philosophy and player development strategies. Given the poor performance both domestically and in European competitions, the club may need to rethink its approach to player recruitment and training. The looming uncertainty around the coaching structure could also affect player morale and performance in the short term.
Potential Societal and Economic Impact
The impact of this news could extend beyond the club itself, affecting local businesses and community engagement associated with the team. As a beloved local sports institution, the Exeter Chiefs hold significant cultural value in their community, and ongoing struggles could impact local sentiment and economic activity.
Target Audience and Community Support
The article may resonate more with rugby enthusiasts and local supporters who are invested in the team's direction. It seeks to address concerns from these communities about the club's future while acknowledging the challenges faced by the coaching staff. The focus on accountability and future reviews could garner support from fans who appreciate transparency in leadership.
Market Reactions and Broader Context
While the article primarily focuses on the sporting aspect, there could be implications for local businesses and sponsorship deals tied to the team’s performance. However, the immediate impact on stock markets or broader economic indicators is likely minimal unless linked to larger trends in sports viewership and sponsorship dynamics.
Artificial Intelligence Influence
There is no clear indication that artificial intelligence was used in the writing of this article. However, the structured manner of presenting information and the clarity of the narrative suggest a professional editorial process rather than AI-generated content.
Assessing the overall reliability of this news piece, it appears to be fact-based, focusing on confirmed events within the Exeter Chiefs organization. It conveys a sense of urgency and accountability, aiming to reassure stakeholders while addressing a critical juncture in the club's history.