Exeter Chiefs continued their impressive Premiership Rugby 2025 campaign with a 24-10 victory over Leicester Tigers at a packed Sandy Park, propelling them to second place in the league standings. The win showcased the Chiefs’ attacking prowess, defensive resilience, and emerging talent, signaling a strong push for the top of the table.

Greg Fisilau and Campbell Ridl Shine

The match got off to a flying start for Exeter as Greg Fisilau powered through Leicester’s defense from 15 metres to score the opening try. The 22-year-old back-rower has been a revelation for the Chiefs this season, and his early try set the tone for a commanding performance.

Not long after, 20-year-old winger Campbell Ridl scored his first-ever Premiership try in spectacular fashion. The England under-20 international chipped the ball over his marker, regathered, and swan-dived under the posts, giving Exeter a 14-0 lead within the first 25 minutes. Ridl’s debut in the Premiership continues to impress fans and pundits alike, highlighting Exeter’s talent pipeline.

Match Highlights

• Exeter Chiefs 24 – Tries: Fisilau, Ridl, Varney | Cons: Slade 3 | Pens: Slade
• Leicester Tigers 10 – Tries: Henderson | Cons/Pens: Searle

Exeter almost added a third try through Harvey Skinner, but it was disallowed due to a push by Will Rigg on Leicester’s Izaia Perese. Leicester managed to respond through Cameron Henderson, keeping them in the contest.

Midway through the second half, Henry Slade extended Exeter’s lead with a 50th-minute penalty, capitalizing on Leicester being reduced to 14 men following a yellow card. Later, Italy scrum-half Stephen Varney sealed the victory with a try in the 72nd minute, also his second consecutive scoring appearance for the club.

Late penalties from Billy Searle for Leicester and missed opportunities for Exeter’s Ridl and Will Goodrick-Clarke prevented Exeter from securing a try-scoring bonus point that would have put them top of the table.

Tactical Analysis

Exeter’s win was a testament to their strategic attacking play, defensive discipline, and ability to capitalize on Leicester’s mistakes. Early pressure from Andrea Zambonin’s chargedown highlighted Exeter’s intensity, while Fisilau’s power runs and Ridl’s dynamic wing play ensured consistent attacking threats.

Exeter’s squad depth also came to the fore, with Will Rigg and Varney stepping up in key moments. Their ability to perform under pressure bodes well for the Chiefs as they chase Premiership glory this season.

Coaches’ Reactions

Exeter attack coach Dave Walder praised his side’s performance but emphasized the importance of accuracy:

“If this morning you’d have offered us a win we would have taken it. Deep down we’re a little bit disappointed with our accuracy, but at the same time that’s probably a sign of where we’ve come from and where we are at the moment. Across the board, we’re in a positive place, we’ve got to make sure we don’t lose sight of what’s got us here and keep that hard work and intent in everything that we do.”

Leicester head coach Geoff Parling acknowledged the gap in performance:

“They’re a very good team, they’re at home and they’re playing well with a lot of confidence. It just showed if you’re 5% off in what you do, you’re going to get hurt. We’ve got a good squad, and as long as we learn the lessons from today, we’ll improve.”

Implications for the Premiership

The win sees Exeter Chiefs climb to second place, just one point behind league leaders Northampton and one ahead of third-placed Bath. Leicester Tigers remain in fifth place after eight rounds, reflecting their inconsistent start to the season.

Exeter’s back-to-back wins, following last week’s victory against Saracens, signal a resurgence from last season’s disappointing campaign, where they finished second-from-bottom. With players like Greg Fisilau, Campbell Ridl, and Stephen Varney performing at a high level, the Chiefs look well-positioned to challenge for the title.

---

Exeter Chiefs Line-Up vs Leicester Tigers

Exeter Chiefs: Woodburn; Feyi-Waboso, Slade, Rigg, Ridl; Skinner, Varney; Sio, Dweba, Tchumbadze, Jenkins (c), Zambonin, Hooper, E. Roots, Fisilau
Replacements: Yeandle, Goodrick-Clarke, J. Roots, Tuima, James, Chapman, Haydon-Wood, John
Sin bin: Tuima (76)

Leicester Tigers: Steward; Radwan, Perese, Kata, Hassell-Collins; Searle, Whiteley; N. Smith, Blamire, Heyes, Henderson, Chessum (c), Moro, Reffell, Cracknell
Replacements: Theobald-Thomas, Haffar, Hurd, Thompson, Williams, Van Poortvliet, Bailey, Hamer-Webb
Sin bin: Williams (51), Searle (62)

Referee: Anthony Woodthorpe