Exe Men: The Extraordinary Rise of the Exeter Chiefs

by Robert Kitson

Among the best stories in British team sport over the past decade has been the rise of Exeter Chiefs. How, exactly, did an unfashionable team from Devon emerge from obscurity to conquer the summit of English rugby? What makes them tick? What are their secrets? Exe Men is a compelling tale of regional pride, fierce rural identity, larger-than-life local heroes, remarkable characters, epic resilience, big city snobbery, geographical separation, steepling ambition and personal sacrifice which will strike a chord with anyone who enjoys a classic underdog story. This is not just any old rugby book, it is the inside story of how a small-town club from the edge of nowhere became every neutral's favourite team.

Genres: Sports

Unknown Binding

Published November 5, 2020

Reviews

[Emma · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really fascinating read into the history of the Chiefs. Having some tenuous links with the club (living next door to two integral members of staff; my son works for a company that has strong links to the club, has used the corporate facilities at Sandy Park a lot and been there for various testimonial dinners, knows a few players and has socialised with them; Husband and kids have been to Sandy Park to watch a number of games; remembering two brother players as tiny toddlers and knowing their family and upbringing and now seeing them play in elevated roles and for the Lions, etc.), and being familiar with the Chairman and Manager, it was fascinating to see just how the club persevered and worked its way up to the Premiership.
Going from a championship grass roots team up to not only winning the Premiership but the European Cup as well and having players represent their countries for the Six Nations, World Cup and Lions tours, Exeter have almost done the impossible, and yet there is a real grounding among the the players, coaches, managers, etc. The work on the farm still needs to be done by the Baxters, the players are involved locally and integrated into normal life, not at all ‘showbizzy’, like a lot of premiership footballers.

The book gives the warts and all history of the club, and the players and team management get to talk about certain occasions in their own words.

Anyone who likes a story backing the underdog, anyone who enjoys rugby union, anyone who has a passion for sporting achievements and of course any Exeter Chiefs fans will love this book!

[Rutger Gerrits · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome story of how the exeter chiefs came to be, and how they reached the heights of succes they reached in the recent years. Terrific read, recommendation to any rugby fan

[Mr Michael R Stevens · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding
One of the best, if not the best, rugby book I have read and I’ve read a lot. A Quins supporter, I grew up in Sunbury, living in Cornwall The Chiefs are now my local club and I’ve watched them on and off since the mid nineties.
Great story told by those in the know, well told with lots of inside information. It narrates their journey to the peak of European Rugby and what it took to get there.
Highly recommended.

[Ky Cheriton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great to read how they have built up a great foundation and work ethic. Being from Exeter, it's great to read about all the local smaller places they used to train and previous grounds etc. For me, a great book.

[Elly Stevens · Rating 5 out of 5]

To anyone who loves rugby, loves Exeter Chiefs and loves an amazing story, you need to read this!

[Ally · Rating 3 out of 5]

More than I needed to know about Henry Slade’s pubic hair.