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The Daily Insight

Why are they called Exeter Chiefs?

Author

James Craig

Updated on April 22, 2026

In the 1990s Exeter Rugby Club turned semi-professional and changed their name to the Exeter Chiefs, a nickname dating back to the 1930s. The club grew in popularity and subsequently there became a growing need to increase the spectator capacity, which was only 5,200 with 750 seated in the grandstand at County Ground.

Regarding this, why are Exeter called Chiefs?

In 1999, Exeter Rugby Club turned semi-professional and changed their name to Exeter Chiefs, after previously being referred to as the Chiefs in the 1930s. In 2016, the club's fans were called upon to change their behaviour over concerns that it could be considered an offensive appropriation of Native American culture.

Also, who is Exeter Chiefs secret signing? Exeter Chiefs have announced the signings of Australian second-row Ryan McCauley and English tighthead prop Sam Nixon ahead of the new Premiership season. McCauley, who is 6ft 8in and 18 stone, joins the club from Western Force on a short-term deal to give director of rugby Rob Baxter much-needed depth.

Keeping this in consideration, when did Exeter Chiefs become Exeter Chiefs?

In 1999, Exeter Rugby Club turned semi-professional and changed their name to Exeter Chiefs, after previously being referred to as the Chiefs in the 1930s.

Who is leaving Exeter Chiefs?

Alongside Francis and Cuthbert, James Short, Elvis Taione, Tom Price, Joe Snow, Barry Karea and Charlie Wright are the others who will be moving on at the end of their current contracts.

Related Question Answers

Who is the owner of Exeter Chiefs?

Tony Rowe is often referred to as the owner of Exeter Chiefs, but the ownership is in the hands of the club members. Rowe was originally a business sponsor when Exeter Rugby was an amateur club. He joined the board as Chairman after the club turned professional.

How many Exeter Chiefs play for England?

Five Chiefs

Where are the Exeter Chiefs from?

Exeter, United Kingdom

How can I watch Exeter Chiefs?

Coverage of the second semi-final of the day gets underway at 3.45pm (4.30pm kick-off) on Saturday 19 June, live on BT Sport 1 HD and BT Sport Ultimate. The match is also available to live stream on the BT Sport app or right here on - full details below.

Where do Exeter Chiefs train?

Digby & Sowton Station is a 5-10 minute walk from Sandy Park with trains running on a regular basis back to Exeter St Davids, one of the two principal stations in the city (Exeter Central is the other).

Did the Exeter Chiefs win today?

Exeter Chiefs were crowned kings of Europe on Saturday after a 31-27 win over Racing 92 in a superb Champions Cup final in Bristol.

Did Chiefs win the rugby?

The Chiefs defeated the Sharks 37–6, winning their first title. In 2013, the Chiefs became the fourth team to record back-to-back title wins, when they defeated the Brumbies 27–22 at Waikato Stadium.

Chiefs (rugby union)

Union New Zealand Rugby Union
Founded 1996
Location Hamilton, New Zealand
Official website

Who have Bath Rugby signed?

Bath Rugby is delighted to announce the double front-row signing of Johannes Jonker and D'Arcy Rae. Both tighthead props will join ahead of the 2021/22 campaign. Jonker switches to the Rec from Ealing Trailfinders while Rae arrives from Glasgow Warriors.

Who plays at Sandy Park?

Sandy Park is a rugby union stadium and conference and banqueting centre in Exeter, England. It is the home ground of Exeter Chiefs, who from the 2010–11 season have been playing in the Gallagher Premiership, the top flight of the English rugby union league system.

What channel is Exeter Chiefs on?

BT TV customers who have not yet joined BT Sport can watch on Freeview Channel 57.

How long is a rugby game?

A match lasts no longer than 80 minutes (split into two halves, each of not more than 40 minutes plus time lost), unless the match organiser has authorised the playing of extra-time in a drawn match within a knock-out competition.