The Exeter Chiefs' journey to the 2021 PREM Rugby final was a testament to the power of collective effort and the magic of rugby. Five years on, the team's legacy continues to inspire, but where are they now? In this article, I'll take you on a journey through the lives of the 23 players who took to the field that day, exploring their current paths and the impact they've had on the sport.
One name that immediately stands out is Jack Nowell, the Cornishman who spent a decade as the Chiefs' key man. Nowell's move to France's La Rochelle side in 2023 marks a new chapter in his career, and his impact on Exeter's success cannot be overstated. What makes this particularly fascinating is how Nowell's departure from Sandy Park signals a shift in the team's dynamics, leaving a void that others must now fill.
Speaking of filling voids, Alex Cuthbert's retirement from professional rugby in 2023 marked the end of an era at Exeter. Cuthbert's journey from Cardiff to the Chiefs and then back to Wales is a story of rugby's migration, and his impact on the game in Wales cannot be understated. In my opinion, Cuthbert's contribution to the sport extends beyond the field, and his work as a pundit will undoubtedly shape the next generation of players.
Henry Slade, the academy graduate who was arguably the biggest name in the Chiefs squad during that era, remains at Exeter and is in career-best form. Slade's impact on the team's push to this year's final cannot be overstated, and his presence at the heart of the squad is a testament to his leadership and skill. What many people don't realize is that Slade's journey to the top was not without its challenges, and his resilience is an inspiration to aspiring rugby players.
Ollie Devoto, Slade's long-term centre partner, left Exeter at the end of the 2023/24 season to join the Chicago Hounds in the MLR. Devoto's impact on the Chiefs' 2020 double-winning season was significant, and his move to the US signals a new chapter in his rugby career. This raises a deeper question: how will Devoto's departure affect the team's dynamics, and who will step up to fill his void?
Tom O'Flaherty, the outside back who arrived in the West Country in 2017, has made 87 appearances for Sale Sharks since joining them in 2022. O'Flaherty's impact on the Chiefs' success cannot be overstated, and his move to the North West signals a new chapter in his rugby career. In my perspective, O'Flaherty's journey to the top was not without its challenges, and his resilience is an inspiration to aspiring rugby players.
Joe Simmonds, the Teignmouth-native who was awarded an MBE for leading the Chiefs to a historic double the year before, joined Pau in France in 2023. Simmonds' impact on the team's success cannot be overstated, and his move to France signals a new chapter in his rugby career. What this really suggests is that Simmonds' journey to the top was not without its challenges, and his resilience is an inspiration to aspiring rugby players.
Jack Maunder, the academy man who took the starting role from Nic White a season before, is now playing for Pro D2 side Agen in France. Maunder's impact on the Chiefs' success cannot be overstated, and his move to France signals a new chapter in his rugby career. This raises a deeper question: how will Maunder's departure affect the team's dynamics, and who will step up to fill his void?
Sam Simmonds, the back-rower who joined his brother in the starting line-up that day in 2021, is now plying his trade with Lyon after a stint with Montpellier. Simmonds' impact on the team's success cannot be overstated, and his move to France signals a new chapter in his rugby career. In my opinion, Simmonds' journey to the top was not without its challenges, and his resilience is an inspiration to aspiring rugby players.
Richard Capstick, the academy graduate who was selected in the starting XV for the final in 2021, remains with the Chiefs to this day. Capstick's impact on the team's success cannot be overstated, and his presence at Sandy Park is a testament to his loyalty and skill. What many people don't realize is that Capstick's journey to the top was not without its challenges, and his resilience is an inspiration to aspiring rugby players.
Jannes Kirsten, the South African forward who arrived in the English South West from the Bulls in 2019, retired at the end of the 2024/25 season. Kirsten's impact on the Chiefs' success cannot be overstated, and his move back to the Bulls signals a new chapter in his rugby career. This raises a deeper question: how will Kirsten's departure affect the team's dynamics, and who will step up to fill his void?
Jonny Hill, the Gloucester-born forward who joined his brother Sam at Sandy Park, is now plying his trade in France for Racing 92. Hill's impact on the team's success cannot be overstated, and his move to France signals a new chapter in his rugby career. In my perspective, Hill's journey to the top was not without its challenges, and his resilience is an inspiration to aspiring rugby players.
Jonny Gray, the Scotland international who joined Exeter part-way through their double-winning season, is now playing for Perpignan in France. Gray's impact on the team's success cannot be overstated, and his move to France signals a new chapter in his rugby career. What this really suggests is that Gray's journey to the top was not without its challenges, and his resilience is an inspiration to aspiring rugby players.
Harry Williams, the relatively unknown player who became a mainstay in the Chiefs' side after arriving in 2015, is back in the PREM with Harlequins. Williams' impact on the team's success cannot be overstated, and his move back to the PREM signals a new chapter in his rugby career. This raises a deeper question: how will Williams' return to the PREM affect the team's dynamics, and who will step up to fill his void?
Luke Cowan-Dickie, the Cornishman who made his name in Devon, remains at Sale Sharks and is still a consistent feature in the England Test side. Cowan-Dickie's impact on the team's success cannot be overstated, and his presence at the CorpAcq Stadium is a testament to his loyalty and skill. What many people don't realize is that Cowan-Dickie's journey to the top was not without its challenges, and his resilience is an inspiration to aspiring rugby players.
Alec Hepburn, the relative unknown who arrived at the Chiefs as a young player, is now playing for Scarlets in the URC. Hepburn's impact on the team's success cannot be overstated, and his move to Wales signals a new chapter in his rugby career. In my opinion, Hepburn's journey to the top was not without its challenges, and his resilience is an inspiration to aspiring rugby players.
Jack Yeandle, the long-standing club captain who has been an ever-present in the Chiefs side since joining from Doncaster Knights in 2012, remains at Sandy Park. Yeandle's impact on the team's success cannot be overstated, and his presence at Sandy Park is a testament to his loyalty and leadership. What many people don't realize is that Yeandle's journey to the top was not without its challenges, and his resilience is an inspiration to aspiring rugby players.
Ben Moon, the Cullumpton-native who was a one-club man throughout his career, retired in 2023 and is now the director of Moon's self-storage and account manager at United Fixings. Moon's impact on the team's success cannot be overstated, and his move into business signals a new chapter in his life. This raises a deeper question: how will Moon's retirement affect the team's dynamics, and who will step up to fill his void?
Marcus Street, the young tighthead prop who was becoming a consistent member of the Chiefs' 23-man squad in 2021, is now playing for Saracens. Street's impact on the team's success cannot be overstated, and his move to Saracens signals a new chapter in his rugby career. In my perspective, Street's journey to the top was not without its challenges, and his resilience is an inspiration to aspiring rugby players.
Sean Lonsdale, the lock forward who was another 'Moneyball' recruit from Baxter, returned to England in 2024 to join CHAMP side Ealing Trailfinders. Lonsdale's impact on the team's success cannot be overstated, and his move back to England signals a new chapter in his rugby career. This raises a deeper question: how will Lonsdale's return to England affect the team's dynamics, and who will step up to fill his void?
Don Armand, the back-rower who featured in five of their six PREM finals between 2016 and 2021, retired from professional rugby in 2022 and is now working as a high-performance leadership coach. Armand's impact on the team's success cannot be overstated, and his move into coaching signals a new chapter in his rugby career. This raises a deeper question: how will Armand's retirement affect the team's dynamics, and who will step up to fill his void?
Stu Townsend, the scrum-half who featured in his third PREM final, left Exeter at the end of last season to join the opposition from that day five years ago. Townsend's impact on the team's success cannot be overstated, and his move to the Stoop signals a new chapter in his rugby career. This raises a deeper question: how will Townsend's departure affect the team's dynamics, and who will step up to fill his void?
Harvey Skinner, the fly-half who emerged from the production line back in 2021, is still a part of Exeter's senior group and is enjoying arguably his best season to date. Skinner's impact on the team's success cannot be overstated, and his presence at Sandy Park is a testament to his loyalty and skill. What many people don't realize is that Skinner's journey to the top was not without its challenges, and his resilience is an inspiration to aspiring rugby players.
Stuart Hogg, the Scotland international who joined Exeter ahead of the 2019/20 season, retired at the end of the 2022/23 season due to injury but later came out of retirement to join Montpellier. Hogg's impact on the team's success cannot be overstated, and his move to Montpellier signals a new chapter in his rugby career. This raises a deeper question: how will Hogg's return to the field affect the team's dynamics, and who will step up to fill his void?
Director of rugby Rob Baxter, the man in the hot seat at Twickenham that day, will again be at the helm when the Chiefs take to the hallowed turf on Saturday. Baxter's impact on the team's success cannot be overstated, and his presence at the forefront of the Chiefs' rise from the second tier is a testament to his leadership and vision. What many people don't realize is that Baxter's journey to the top was not without its challenges, and his resilience is an inspiration to aspiring rugby coaches.
