# Exeter Chiefs Gallagher Premiership season opener > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/exeter-chiefs-gallagher-premiership-season-opener > Updated: 2026-09-26T17:05:34.000Z. Sources: 10. Developments: 2. The Exeter Chiefs began their Gallagher Premiership season with a match against Gloucester. Prior to the game, Welsh international Dafydd Jenkins was set to captain the side and return to the second row after a four-month absence following the previous season’s final. His return was noted as a significant boost for director of rugby Rob Baxter due to the absence of Andrea Zambonin, who is recovering from shoulder surgery. In the opening round of the 2026/27 season, Gloucester secured a 45-24 victory at Sandy Park, marking their largest-ever win at the venue and their first victory there in 12 years. New Gloucester captain and Wales international Dewi Lake led the performance with two tries on his competitive debut. Other Gloucester scorers included Ben Loader, who also scored twice, Seb Atkinson, Will Joseph, and Junior Denny. Despite the loss, the Exeter Chiefs secured a losing bonus point through tries from Josh Iosefa-Scott, Ethan Roots, Stephen Varney, and Louie Gulley. Following the match, director of rugby Rob Baxter criticized the team’s performance, citing poor basics, a lack of attacking intent, and players being “switched off” during critical moments. The result serves as a significant setback for the Chiefs, who were last season’s Premiership finalists. ## Timeline ### 2026-09-26: Exeter rugby clubs see mixed results in recent matches Exeter Chiefs Women defeated Leicester Tigers 67-13, while Gloucester secured a major 45-24 win over the Exeter Chiefs men. England Women also beat New Zealand 26-19 in the WXV Global Series. 10 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/gloucester-defeats-exeter-chiefs-in-premiership-opener ### 2026-09-25: Dafydd Jenkins returns to captain Exeter Chiefs Dafydd Jenkins returns from injury to captain the Exeter Chiefs in their Gallagher Premiership season opener against Gloucester. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/dafydd-jenkins-returns-to-captain-exeter-chiefs --- Cite as: Exeter Chiefs Gallagher Premiership season opener. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/exeter-chiefs-gallagher-premiership-season-opener