Mark Stevens
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Articles by Mark Stevens
Exeter shut entire stand for Newcastle match after poor ticket sales
The empty North Terrace put a dent in the previously lively atmosphere of Sandy Park - Shutterstock/Matt Impey Exeter Chiefs took the unprecedented decision to close the entire North Terrace after filling under half of their Sandy Park stadium for the 34-28 victory over Newcastle Red Bulls.
Exeter shut entire stand for Newcastle match after poor ticket sales
Exeter Chiefs took the unprecedented decision to close the entire North Terrace after fewer than half of Sandy Park's seats were filled for the 34-28 victory over Newcastle Red Bulls. Just 7,071 supporters turned up to watch Sunday's game, leading to large swathes of empty seats at the 15,000-capacity stadium and leaving last season's Prem finalists facing uncomfortable questions about their dwindling match-day crowds.
I-65 construction closes Gray Street, frustrates JCTC students
LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB+WAVE) — Gray Street is now shut down at the freeway as crews begin demolishing the bridge above it, part of continuing I-65 construction that is changing what’s open and closed in downtown Louisville. Students at Jefferson Community and Technical College, located next to the closure, said they are ready for the work to finish. Gray Street is detoured up to Broadway. Students said they get construction updates from the school, but the constant change is frustrating.
Quantum Heaps Appoints Former Salesforce Executive Roman Romancini as President, Latin America
Roman Romancini joins Quantum Heaps as President, Latin America, extending the Singapore-headquartered AI company's leadership to four regions. With Latin America added to North America, EMEA and Asia, the Singapore-headquartered AI-company now operates as a multinational revenue technology company.
Jenkins return is a massive boost for the Chiefs
DAFYDD Jenkins will make his long-awaited return from injury by captaining Exeter Chiefs in their opening Gallagher PREM clash with Gloucester – more than four months after his last appearance in the Premiership final. The Welsh international has not played since Exeter’s 2025/26 campaign ended with a 26-17 defeat by Northampton Saints in the Premiership final at Twickenham.
Baxter ready to discuss Slade’s next move at the Chiefs
ROB Baxter is set to sit down with Henry Slade soon to discuss whether the England outside centre will take up the second year of his current contract at Exeter Chiefs. Slade signed a new deal with the Chiefs back in February, describing it at the time as “an easy decision” and saying he was delighted to continue calling Sandy Park home. “To be able to run out at Sandy Park and continue to call this place home for a few more years is brilliant,” he said.
Chiefs dig deep to give Baxter perfect final test
ROB Baxter hailed Exeter Chiefs’ character after they overcame a nightmare start to round off their pre-season with a 33-28 victory over Cardiff Rugby. The Chiefs found themselves two converted tries down inside the opening 10 minutes at the Cardiff Arms Park, but responded with a three-try burst before half-time before eventually holding off a late Cardiff fightback.
Argyle up to third after latest victory on the road
TOM Cleverley hailed Plymouth Argyle’s ability to “solve problems” as they came from behind to beat Blackpool 4-2 and make it three Sky Bet League One wins in a row. The Pilgrims were far from their best during the opening stages at Bloomfield Road, but found another gear after falling behind to Jordan Brown’s deflected strike. Oliver Irow levelled six minutes later before adding his second seven minutes into the second half.
Exeter welcome back international stars for friendly test
EXETER Chiefs will unleash their returning international stars for the first time this campaign when they face Cardiff Rugby in their final pre-season test tomorrow (3pm). England duo Henry Slade and Immanuel Feyi-Waboso headline a quartet of internationals returning to Rob Baxter’s side as the Chiefs complete their preparations for the start of the new Gallagher Premiership campaign.
Chiefs winger Ridl facing lengthy injury lay-off
EXETER Chiefs have been dealt a major blow ahead of the new PREM Rugby season with winger Campbell Ridl set to miss the majority of the campaign. The 21-year-old has suffered a significant knee ligament injury which Chiefs’ director of rugby Rob Baxter says is likely to keep him sidelined for between six and nine months – and potentially longer. Ridl sustained the injury during the Devon club’s opening pre-season fixture against Scarlets earlier this month.
Cleverley praises hard work behind Argyle’s top-six rise
TOM Cleverley hailed a “significant moment” for Plymouth Argyle after his side moved into the League One play-off places with a convincing 3-0 victory over Barnsley at Home Park. The Pilgrims climbed to sixth after a dominant display which saw them take control inside the opening two minutes and never relinquish their advantage. Oli Irow opened the scoring after just 20 seconds, cutting inside from the left before unleashing an unstoppable 25-yard strike into the top corner.
Woodburn hat-trick fires Chiefs to Bristol victory
EXETER Chiefs served notice of their attacking intent as they opened their Premiership Rugby Cup campaign with a convincing 45-21 victory over Bristol Bears at Sandy Park. Olly Woodburn was the headline act, the 34-year-old winger rolling back the years with a first-half hat-trick to put Rob Baxter’s side firmly in command.
Chiefs aim to save lives with prostate cancer campaign
EXETER Chiefs have joined forces with Prostate Cancer UK for a season-long campaign to save lives through rugby after club chief executive Tony Rowe CBE was diagnosed with prostate cancer and club stalwart Robin Cowling died from the disease. Rowe, 78, was diagnosed in July 2023, while Cowling died in August. The double blow has prompted Rowe to speak publicly and urge men to understand their risk of a disease affecting one in eight men.
Baxter backs Chiefs new boys to make their mark
EXETER Chiefs director of rugby Rob Baxter believes his new signings have already shown they can add the quality his squad needs ahead of their competitive return against Bristol Bears on Saturday (3pm). Baxter has named five debutants in his matchday 23 for Saturday’s second-round PREM Rugby Cup clash, with summer arrivals Sam Wolstenholme, Will Butt and Harry Wilson all starting the clash at Sandy Park. Fellow newcomers Sam Harris and Jake Murray are named among the replacements.
Cotehele’s ‘great’ apple harvest arrives weeks ahead of schedule
COTEHELE’S bumper apple harvest has begun earlier than expected after the summer’s extreme heat caused fruit to fall from the trees weeks ahead of schedule. The National Trust estate near Saltash is preparing for its popular Apple Weekend this weekend, September 12 and 13, with visitors invited to pick, taste and learn about more than 100 traditional West Country apple varieties.
Teenage rugby league star makes Exeter switch
EXETER Chiefs have signed winger Charlie Poynton from the South Sydney Rabbitohs ahead of the 2026/27 season. The 19-year-old, who was born in New Zealand, will swap the Sydney coastline for Devon as he looks to continue his rugby career in the Gallagher PREM. Poynton has made the move to union after impressing in the Australian rugby league system, having joined South Sydney’s NSW Cup set-up in October 2025.
Chiefs suffer Sandy Park setback against Scarlets
EXETER Chiefs were given a timely reality check ahead of the new season as Scarlets ran in six tries to claim a 36-15 victory at Sandy Park. The beaten Gallagher Premiership finalists were playing their first game of the new campaign, but despite an impressive opening spell, were ultimately blown away by their United Rugby Championship visitors.
Cleverley praises Argyle mentality after away win
PLYMOUTH Argyle secured their first away win of the Sky Bet League One season with an impressive 3-2 victory at Doncaster Rovers. Tom Cleverley’s side bounced back from their midweek disappointment at Leicester City to claim three valuable points, courtesy of goals from Will Evans, Bim Pepple and Caleb Watts moving the Pilgrims to within a point of the play-off places. Argyle made the brighter start and took the lead in the 28th minute.
Surgery means Zambonin will miss start of the season
EXETER Chiefs lock Andrea Zambonin will miss the start of the new rugby season after undergoing surgery on a shoulder injury. The 25-year-old Italian international made 27 appearances during his debut campaign at Sandy Park, including the Premiership final defeat by Northampton Saints. However, Zambonin returned from Italy’s summer fixtures with a shoulder problem which has now required an operation.
Horse electrocuted at Kentucky State Fair; investigation underway
LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WAVE) - An investigation is underway at the Kentucky State Fair after a horse was electrocuted in a temporary barn Wednesday. The five-year-old Saddlebred, Mr. Spots, belonged to a stable from Salem, Oregon. His trainer, Lisa Lesch, said she was born and raised in the Saddlebred industry and has never seen an incident like this. Lesch said the stable was setting up decorations while the horses were feeding around 8:30 p.m. Wednesday.
Chiefs duo named in England’s elite player squad
EXETER Chiefs duo Immanuel Feyi-Waboso and Henry Slade have both been named in England’s new elite player squad for the 2026/27 season. Both players retain their places in Steve Borthwick’s 25-player strong group which features new faces such as Northampton Saints lock Alex Coles and Sale Sharks’ Asher Opoku-Fordjour. The news comes in the aftermath of England’s summer Nations Series campaign which featured wins over Fiji and Argentina in July.
Chairman reveals urgent need for fresh investment
PLYMOUTH Argyle chairman Simon Hallett says talks with potential new investors are continuing and could conclude within weeks – but admitted the club’s need for fresh investment is now being treated with “some urgency”. Hallett gave fans an update during a forum at Home Park on Friday night, revealing discussions were ongoing but that non-disclosure agreements prevented him from providing details about the parties involved. “We are continuing talks,” he said.
Cleverley disappointed as Argyle humbled in opener
PLYMOUTH Argyle head coach Tom Cleverley admitted his side must improve significantly after suffering a painful 3-1 defeat to Stockport County in their opening League One game of the season. Cleverley saw his side punished for a below-par display at Home Park as Stockport took control of the contest, leaving the Argyle boss disappointed by the intensity, duels and defensive errors that had been hallmarks of his team’s impressive finish to last season.
Evans sees huge potential in ‘sleeping giant’ Argyle
WILL Evans believes Plymouth Argyle are a “sleeping giant” – and the new Pilgrims striker is relishing the chance to lead the line as they target promotion back to the Championship. The 29-year-old has barely had time to catch his breath since arriving at Home Park, but his first taste of life in Green could hardly have gone better.
Cleverley: Argyle must be their best selves
TOM Cleverley wants Plymouth Argyle to ride the wave of Monday night’s Devon derby triumph and turn growing excitement around Home Park into a promotion push. Twelve months on from the start of his Argyle reign, Cleverley and his team are in a very different place. The uncertainty and frustration of a difficult opening to last season have been replaced by belief, momentum and genuine excitement about what this Argyle side can achieve.
Hartridge has the last laugh against former club
ALEX Hartridge had the last laugh as the Plymouth Argyle defender marked his debut with a dramatic stoppage-time goal to help sink Exeter City in the Carabao Cup first round at Home Park. Hartridge had been the target of abuse from the visiting supporters throughout a fiery contest, but he delivered the perfect response when he rose to score in the second minute of injury time and silence the away end.
Argyle strengthen attacking options with Evans signing
PLYMOUTH ARGYLE have completed their seventh summer signing after bringing in forward Will Evans from fellow League One side Mansfield Town. The 29-year-old Welshman has signed a two-year contract with the Greens, with the club holding an option to extend the deal by a further year. Evans arrives at Home Park with an impressive goalscoring record and plenty of League One experience, having scored 50 goals across the past three seasons.
Tributes paid to rugby great Robin Cowling
EXETER Chiefs are mourning the loss of Robin Cowling, whose dedication to developing players helped transform the club from an amateur side into a Premiership force. Cowling, who has died aged 82, spent almost two decades involved with the Chiefs after joining the club’s coaching staff in 1997. A former England international and farmer by trade, Cowling enjoyed a distinguished playing career before moving into coaching.
Chiefs trio named in Red Roses training squad
THREE members of the Exeter Chiefs Women squad have been rewarded for their outstanding form by being named in England’s squad for the upcoming WXV Global Series. Winger Claudia Moloney-MacDonald, back-rower Maddie Feaunati and scrum-half Flo Robinson have all been selected in Red Roses head coach John Mitchell’s 40-player training squad ahead of the new international campaign.
Cleverley brings back fans' favourite Mitchell
TOM Cleverley has brought another familiar face back to Home Park after Plymouth Argyle completed the permanent signing of defender Alex Mitchell. The 24-year-old centre-back has returned on a three-year contract for an undisclosed fee from Championship side Charlton Athletic after an outstanding loan spell last season, becoming Cleverley’s sixth signing of the summer.
Big hole to fill as Tolaj departs Home Park
PLYMOUTH Argyle have been left with a huge void to fill after cashing in on last season’s 21-goal top scorer Lorent Tolaj, who has joined Championship side Bristol City for an undisclosed fee. The Swiss striker became a Pilgrim shortly after the start of the 2025/26 campaign and enjoyed a remarkable season at Home Park, scoring 21 goals in 35 appearances. However, his departure leaves Argyle searching for a new focal point in attack ahead of the new season.
Pilgrims secure goalkeeping boost with Cooper arrival
MURPHY Cooper says he “felt wanted and appreciated” by Plymouth Argyle after completing a permanent move to Home Park from Queens Park Rangers. The 24-year-old goalkeeper has signed a two-year contract with the Pilgrims for an undisclosed fee, becoming Argyle's latest summer signing and making the first permanent transfer of his career.
Chiefs to begin European journey against French giants Toulouse
EXETER Chiefs will mark their return to the Investec Champions Cup with a daunting trip to reigning French Top 14 champions Stade Toulousain in October after the fixtures for the 2026/27 competition were confirmed. Rob Baxter’s side will travel to Toulouse on Sunday, October 18 (4.15pm kick-off) for their opening Pool Two fixture before welcoming Irish province Connacht to Sandy Park on Sunday, December 13 (1pm).
Argyle kick-off pre-season campaign with victory at Parkway
PLYMOUTH Argyle made an impressive start to their pre-season campaign with a 4-1 victory over Plymouth Parkway at Bolitho Park. The Pilgrims needed less than two minutes to take the lead as striker Bim Pepple calmly finished past Aaron Dearing after a bright opening. Parkway hit back just after the half-hour when Will Sullivan unleashed a superb right-footed strike beyond James Storer to level the scores. However, Argyle restored their advantage just before the break through Michael Baidoo.
Slade returns to England starting line-up for clash with Fiji
EXETER Chiefs centre Henry Slade will make his long-awaited return to England’s starting line-up this weekend after being named at outside centre for Saturday’s Test against Fiji in Liverpool. The 33-year-old has been selected to start at No.13 for the first time since England’s clash with Argentina in Autumn of 2025. He is joined in the starting line-up by club-mate Immanuel Feyi-Waboso, who has been named on the wing for the Hill Dickinson Stadium encounter, which kicks off at 2.10pm.
Hooper happy to extend his stay with the Chiefs
TOM Hooper has set his sights on helping Exeter Chiefs lift a Premiership title before his planned return to Australian rugby in 2028. The 25-year-old flanker has signed a contract extension with the Chiefs until the summer of 2028 before agreeing a move back to his homeland with the Queensland Reds ahead of the 2029 Super Rugby Pacific season.
Argyle striker Pepple attracting interest from a number of clubs
A number of clubs are rumoured to be looking at Argyle striker Bim Pepple (Cornish Times) PLYMOUTH Argyle striker Bim Pepple is attracting significant transfer interest from across Europe and North America after an impressive first season at Home Park. Reports say Championship sides Bolton Wanderers and Sheffield United are monitoring the 23-year-old alongside Danish champions AGF Aarhus and several MLS clubs.
Flying Kyle Rowe leads Scottish exorcism of Argentina demons
Last November, Scotland blew a 21-point lead to lose to Argentina. But Kyle Rowe led Scotland's redemption in Córdoba as they produced a seven-try masterclass to launch their Nations Championship campaign in style. The winger was outstanding, scoring an impressive solo try and creating another as Scotland buried the ghosts of last autumn's collapse against the Pumas with a polished 47-33 success.
Flying Kyle Rowe leads Scottish exorcism of Argentina demons
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Rowe outlines grand plan to take Chiefs to rugby’s summit
Tony Rowe believes the Exeter Chiefs can rise to the very top of the game following their takeover by American investors Cannae Holdings’ Black Knight Rugby (Exeter Chiefs) EXETER Chiefs chairman Tony Rowe says he wants to turn the Devonians into “the best club in the world” following the completion of a takeover by American investors Cannae Holdings’ Black Knight Rugby.
Feyi-Waboso handed England starting spot for clash with Springboks
Exeter Chiefs winger Immanuel Feyi-Waboso attempts to shake off the attentions of Northampton's Henry Pollock (Picture: Exeter Chiefs) EXETER Chiefs winger Immanuel Feyi-Waboso will start for England in Saturday’s Nations Championship opener against South Africa in Johannesburg (4.40pm BST).
Shoulder surgery means Jenkins will miss out for Wales this summer
Welsh international Dafydd Jenkins is to undergo shoulder surgery following Exeter’s Premiership Rugby final defeat (Exeter Chiefs) ROB Baxter has confirmed Exeter Chiefs captain Dafydd Jenkins is expected to be fit for the start of next season, despite being ruled out of Wales’ inaugural Nations Championship campaign following shoulder surgery.
Cleverley's delight as two new faces arrive at Home Park
Plymouth Argyle have completed the signing of midfielder Harvey White from League One rivals Stevenage (Picture: PAFC) PLYMOUTH Argyle have continued their summer recruitment drive with the arrival of two exciting new additions, bringing midfielder Harvey White and goalkeeper James Storer to Home Park as head coach Tom Cleverley looks to strengthen his squad ahead of the new campaign.
Rowe hails “exciting times” ahead as Chiefs takeover nears finish
Exeter Rugby Club chairman and chief executive, Tony Rowe CBE (Exeter Chiefs) EXETER Rugby Club are on the brink of entering a new ownership era, with chairman and chief executive Tony Rowe confirming the takeover by American-based investors is close to being finalised. The deal, involving the Black Knight Group, which also owns Premier League club AFC Bournemouth, is now in its final stages after receiving approval from members back in May.
New season league fixtures confirmed for Plymouth Argyle
General view of Home Park Stadium, home to Plymouth Argyle Football Club PLYMOUTH Argyle will kick off the new 2026/27 Sky Bet League One season on home soil following the announcement of the fixtures by the English Football League. Tom Cleverley's side, who narrowly missed out on reaching the play-offs last season, will start their latest campaign by entertaining Stockport County on Saturday, August 15.
Rail services reduced as extreme heat warning hits UK
Passengers should expect fewer trains, busier services and longer journey times throughout the three-day period (GWR) RAIL passengers across the South West are being warned of disruption this week as Great Western Railway (GWR) and South Western Railway (SWR) introduce amended timetables due to an expected period of extreme heat.
Chiefs’ resurgence under Baxter shines through despite Saints’ late blow
Exeter Chiefs winger Manny Feyi-Waboso attempts to shake off the attentions of Northampton's Henry Pollock (Picture: Exeter Chiefs) (Exeter Chiefs) ROB Baxter stood pitchside at Allianz Stadium with the weight of defeat on his shoulders, but what came through most clearly was not frustration – it was emotion, pride and something closer to renewal.
Jenkins reflects on Exeter’s transformation from rock bottom to final stage
Exeter Chiefs skipper Dafydd Jenkins (far left) alongside his team-mates ahead of the kick-off at Twickenham (Picture: Exeter Chiefs) DAFYDD Jenkins stood tall after leading Exeter Chiefs into the Gallagher Premiership final, insisting he could not be prouder of a group that has transformed from rock bottom to title contenders in just 14 months.
England duo return as Chiefs target Twickenham triumph
Exeter Chiefs winger Immanuel Feyi-Waboso returns for tomorrow’s Gallagher Premiership final against Northampton Saints (Exeter Chiefs) EXETER Chiefs are 80 minutes away from completing one of the most remarkable turnarounds in Premiership rugby as they prepare to face Northampton Saints in the 2026 final at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham tomorrow (3pm). Just over a year ago, the Devon club were reeling.
Chiefs’ return to Twickenham feels like start of something bigger
Mark Stevens pictured with the Gallagher Premiership and European Champions Cup trophies following Exeter's double success in 2020 (Mark Stevens) A LITTLE over 14 months ago, Exeter Chiefs hit rock bottom. A humiliating 79-17 mauling at Gloucester exposed every weakness, every doubt and every uncomfortable truth surrounding a club that, for so long, had been the benchmark of English rugby. It wasn’t just the scoreline that stung, but the sense that something deeper had shifted.
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