Exeter Chiefs have parted ways with head coach Rob Hunter after just four games at the helm, following a humiliating 79-17 loss to Gloucester — the heaviest defeat in the club’s recent history. The decision, described as mutual, comes as the once-dominant Premiership club finds itself in crisis, languishing in ninth place and second-bottom of the league table.
A Sudden and Painful End
Rob Hunter’s tenure as head coach was short-lived. Having stepped up from his role as attack coach in March — a position he held under previous head coach Ali Hepher — Hunter’s elevation to the top job came with high hopes but quickly unravelled. The decision to part company was officially announced on 2 May via a club press release, which confirmed the separation was by mutual agreement between the 54-year-old coach and the club’s board.
Hunter joined Exeter in 2013 and played a key role in the club’s rise to prominence, contributing to their Premiership titles in 2017 and 2020, as well as their European Champions Cup triumph in 2020. His departure marks the end of an 11-year spell at Sandy Park, where he was widely respected both on and off the pitch.
A Season to Forget
This season has been nothing short of disastrous for the Chiefs. Once a powerhouse in English and European rugby, Exeter have suffered an alarming slump, losing 16 of their last 19 games in all competitions. The 2020 European champions now find themselves fighting to avoid a bottom-place finish, with just three matches remaining to salvage some pride.
