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Exeter Chiefs director of rugby Rob Baxter has played a key role in leading the team to previously unheard-of heights. The Chiefs have gone from being a struggling team to a dominant power in English rugby under his direction. “Our first title was incredible, but it would feel bigger doing it again,” is how Baxter recently expressed his desire to expand on the club’s previous accomplishments.
Journey of Baxter with the Exeter Chiefs
Baxter joined the Exeter Chiefs as a player and played for the team for 14 years before turning to coaching. A major turning point in the club’s history was his promotion to head coach in 2009. The team’s 2010 elevation to the Premiership was made possible in large part by Baxter’s vision and leadership, which also laid the groundwork for their incredible ascent to the top of English rugby.
Exeter’s 2017 Premiership title win was a turning point in the team’s history, and Baxter’s passionate response on the field showed how deeply he connected to the team and its history. He thanked many others, even those who were no longer on the team, for their contributions to the club’s success. “It has not just been this group of players,” he said, emphasizing that the club’s success has been shaped by teamwork.
Goals for the Future
Baxter is not one to rest on prior accomplishments, even after their amazing first title win. He has stated unequivocally that the Exeter Chiefs’ quest for greatness will never end. He said, “As great as today is, it can’t be the defining thing about Exeter,” following their triumph. His goals go beyond winning at home; he also wants to be successful in Europe.
Exeter has demonstrated their strength in recent years by accomplishing notable feats, such as making it to their first European Champions Cup final in 2020. Baxter’s goal is still to assemble a team that can regularly compete at the top levels. He feels the club’s future depends on continuing to have a championship mindset. “We need to put a group of players together who are going to do something about the fact we are now the Premiership champions,” said Baxter.
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