Hooper dives straight back into Chiefs action

October 09, 2026
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Ultimate Rugby

Wallabies back-rower Tom Hooper is included in the Exeter Chiefs 23 for the first time this season as Sandy Park hosts Newcastle Red Bulls in the third round of the Gallagher PREM.

The Aussie flew back to the UK earlier this week, fresh from representing his country in the Rugby Championship. Supporters will be delighted by the reintroduction of the 24-cap Wallabies forward made more than 20 appearances in his debut Chiefs season, including starting the 2026 Prem Final.

Chiefs’ director of rugby Rob Baxter said: “Watching Newcastle’s game against Leicester [Tigers], they’re clearly a very dangerous side. They’ve got some real strength and quality individuals in there, while they’re still learning a little how to come together as a team.

“We’ve got to just decide to be very good. I thought we were much improved against Bath in a lot of areas. We’ve got to look for the same improvement again this week and look to move forward now after a long training week.”

There is a sole change in the starting pack. Wales international Kane James moves to the bench to allow Italy international Ross Vintcent to take a starting spot at openside flanker.

The front row is again formed by Ethan Burger and Josh Iosefa-Scott packing down either side of last weekend’s try scorer, hooker Jack Yeandle. Captain Dafydd Jenkins led the Chiefs in tackles and clearouts against Bath Rugby, he starts in the second row with Harry Wilson.

Flanker Ethan Roots and No.8 Greg Fisilau joined Jenkins in the top three for tackles made last Friday night. They start alongside the returning Vintcent in the back row.

The half-back duo both got their name on the scoresheet at The Rec, so retain their starting shirts with Stephen Varney in the number nine and Harvey Skinner at 10.

Brace-scorer Immanuel Feyi-Waboso joins Tommy Wyatt on the wing while Sam Harris comes into the side to start at full-back following an injury concern to Olly Woodburn. Centre Will Butt impressed against his former side, so starts in centre-field with Henry Slade.

Baxter added: “Two points at Bath was a decent return. In most seasons, but especially the most recent few, that’s a good return from going to The Rec. Only collecting one point the week before in a home game makes things a little more challenging, but if we can get a win and have seven or eight points from three weeks in, then things start to look back on track.”

Hooker Louie Gulley forms the replacement front row with props Will Goodrick-Clarke and Bachuki Tchumbadze. Hooper’s return names him alongside James in covering the remainder of the pack.

Sam Wolstenholme, Will Haydon-Wood and Zack Wimbush await their chance to take to the pitch in the backfield.

The game kicks off at 15:00 in Devon.

Exeter Chiefs:

15 Sam Harris

14 Immanuel Feyi-Waboso

13 Henry Slade

12 Will Butt

11 Tommy Wyatt

10 Harvey Skinner

9 Stephen Varney

1 Ethan Burger

2 Jack Yeandle