# Exeter Chiefs rugby performance

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/exeter-chiefs-rugby-performance
> Updated: 2026-10-02T20:51:12.000Z. Sources: 18. Developments: 3.

The Exeter Chiefs have maintained a competitive form through their pre-season and early Premiership Rugby campaign.

In a pre-season friendly at Cardiff Arms Park, the Chiefs overcame heavy rain and an early deficit to defeat Cardiff Rugby 33-28. Following these preparations, the Chiefs transitioned into their Premiership Rugby Cup campaign, defeating the Bristol Bears 45-21 at Sandy Park, supported by a first-half hat-trick from winger Olly Woodburn.

In their Premiership Rugby season, the Chiefs faced a high-scoring defeat against Bath, losing 40-34 at The Rec. This West Country derby saw a total of 11 tries as both sides engaged in an intense offensive battle. Bath established an early dominance, leading 26-10 at halftime with tries from Cam Redpath, Bernard van der Linde, Dan du Preez, and Finn Russell.

Exeter staged a significant second-half comeback, led by two tries from Immanuel Feyi-Waboso, to take a 33-31 lead midway through the period. However, momentum shifted back to Bath following a yellow card issued to Exeter scrum-half Stephen Varney for a deliberate knock-on, which resulted in a penalty try. Ted Hill eventually scored to secure the win for Bath, moving them to the top of the Gallagher Premiership table. Despite the loss, Exeter earned two bonus points.

## Claims

- Exeter Chiefs defeated Cardiff Rugby 33-28 in a pre-season friendly. (corroborated by 4 sources)
- The match took place at Cardiff Arms Park. (corroborated by 4 sources)
- Taine Basham and Ben Thomas scored tries for Cardiff Rugby. (corroborated by 4 sources)
- Greg Fisilau, Harvey Skinner, and Stephen Varney scored tries for Exeter Chiefs. (corroborated by 4 sources)
- Exeter director of rugby Rob Baxter praised the team's character after their comeback victory. (corroborated by 4 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-10-02: Bath Rugby defeats Exeter Chiefs 40-34 to lead Premiership

Bath Rugby defeated the Exeter Chiefs 40-34 in an 11-try thriller to take the top spot in the Gallagher Premiership standings.

9 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/bath-defeats-exeter-chiefs-40-34-in-high-scoring-rugby-thriller

### 2026-09-21: Exeter Chiefs defeat Cardiff Rugby 33-28 in pre-season friendly

Exeter Chiefs overcame an early deficit to defeat Cardiff Rugby 33-28 in a pre-season rugby friendly at Cardiff Arms Park.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/exeter-chiefs-defeat-cardiff-rugby-33-28-in-pre-season-friendly

### 2026-09-14: Exeter Chiefs defeat Bristol Bears in Premiership Rugby Cup opener

Exeter Chiefs defeated Bristol Bears 45-21 in their Premiership Rugby Cup opener, highlighted by a first-half hat-trick from winger Olly Woodburn.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/exeter-chiefs-defeat-bristol-bears-in-premiership-rugby-cup-opener

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Cite as: Exeter Chiefs rugby performance. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/exeter-chiefs-rugby-performance