Chiefs name young cohort to start PREM Cup final

Exeter Chiefs’ young guns will line up alongside more experienced players to compete for silverware in Sunday’s PREM Rugby Cup final.

One of the University of Exeter’s leading BUCS Super Rugby try scorers and elder brother of Chiefs hooker Louie, Tom Gulley has been brought in on loan for this fixture.

The tighthead prop will start the game on the bench as Khwezi Mona is named to make his first start of the season. Jimmy Roots will miss the game following a serious laceration to his ear, which has required extensive stitches. Mona helps to form an all South-African front row with Ethan Burger and hooker Joseph Dweba.

Lewis Pearson captains the side which includes Welsh international, and former Prem Cup champion, Christ Tshiunza on his return from injury.

Chiefs’ director of rugby Rob Baxter said: “There is a little bit of a different feeling around a final week. We’ve felt that in training that week, watching the boys run around with a great deal of energy. They’ve got smiles on their faces at the right time but they’re also judging well when they have to lock in at the right time.

“The environment has felt quite vibrant, which is especially exciting for a number of the younger guys who have never been in games like this before. It’s going to be an interesting game, but hopefully it brings out the best in us at Leicester on Sunday.”

Pearson joins Rusi Tuima in the boiler room while there is a return to action for Italian international Ross Vintcent at number eight. Martin Moloney and Finn Worley Brady start on the flanks.

Scrum-half Tom Cairns starts alongside Will Haydon-Wood at fly-half. There is another return in the centre field as Will Rigg partners up with Ollie Batson.

Having impressed throughout the whole campaign, Campbell Ridl reclaims his starting spot on the wing with Paul Brown-Bampoe as Josh Hodge rounds out the side at full-back.

Baxter added: “Leicester are a competitive team, they’re fourth in the Gallagher PREM and top seed in this competition. Without doubt, they’ve got a consistent group which is something we’ve challenged ourselves to be this season.

“I was particularly impressed watching them last weekend against Bath Rugby. They moved the ball well, challenged Bath with the width of their early passes in attack and that’s something that we’ll have to be ready for.

“That kind of movement they’re getting into the game to create challenges defensively looks very good. Traditionally, Leicester have always had a strong set-piece and that looks to be the case again. So, I think they’re piecing a lot of their game together really well and they’re going to be a challenge across the rest of the season, not just in this final.”

On the bench, Julian Heaven and Will Goodrick-Clarke support the young Gulley. Joining Tshiunza in covering the rest of the pack is former England U20s player, Joe Bailey.

Scrum-half Charlie Chapman retains his spot while Ben Coen and Dan John come into the matchday side to help cover the backline.

The game kicks off at 15:30 on Sunday afternoon, with tickets still available on the Tigers website. The game will also be broadcast live on TNT Sports.