Match Preview: Townsend points to youth as Exeter Chiefs host Glasgow Warriors

The Gallagher Premiership club’s season so far has been characterised by youth stepping up to fill the void left behind by departing bigger names, with two statement comeback wins over RC Toulon and Munster Rugby leaving them second in Pool 3 and joint on points with leaders Northampton Saints.  

In turn, Glasgow Warriors travel south of the border in third place, teeing up a high stakes fixture at Sandy Park as both sides look to make giant strides to the knockout stage. 

Exeter Chiefs may feel they already have one foot in the Round of 16 after their opening two wins, but they’ll be eager to ensure a home match in the next round – and 28-year-old Henderson says that the young faces at the club are still keen to impress. 

“I think the most exciting thing is, it’s a fresh competition for them,” he explained, “They’ve never been in the Investec Champions Cup, and they’re just going out there and just playing rugby like they would as a youngster.  

“It’s exciting to get behind. Some of the players we’ve got are 20, 21-years-old, [they] are your next Jack Nowells and Henry Slades, so it’s like, just keep going with them.” 

There will be a question-mark over how far the Sandy Park side can go in this year’s competition, but Henderson is excited about the age profile of the squad as the 2020 champions look to build towards more EPCR silverware in the future. 

“It’s nice, I think it’s very refreshing,” Henderson said of the young team, “They’re obviously learning all the time. 

“Look, some of the players are teaching us and it’s a great squad at the minute, they’re thriving to get out there and go and play. So just keep jumping on the bandwagon, and go with them.” 

Glasgow Warriors will be hoping to take whatever points they can with them back up to Scotland ahead of their Round 4 match with RC Toulon at home. 

The United Rugby Championship club have lost their last two visits to Devon but will be hoping to show more fight this time around to keep up their hopes of making the Investec Champions Cup knockout stage for the first time since 2019. 

Exeter Chiefs against Glasgow Warriors will start at 13:00 GMT at Sandy Park on Saturday 13 January, with live coverage available on ITV, TNT Sports, beIN SPORTS, FloRugby and SuperSport. 

Get your tickets for the final here: https://www.epcrugby.com/european-professional-club-rugby/finals