The Chiefs have become the model for ambitious clubs seeking promotion to the professional level. Since replacing Leeds in the Premiership in 2010 they have never looked overawed or under-prepared.

A sixth place finish last year was actually a drop of one spot, but their performance was about on par. Their strategy of bringing in solid club men rather than big name international players has brought success, but given the increasing influx of top stars to the competition it’s unlikely that they’ll be able to challenge for silverware until they do break the bank a little. No need to rush things, however, and they have made moderate improvements to their squad this season so there’s no reason to think they can’t achieve the same mid-table level they have the past couple seasons.

Some unfancied names have carried them this far and emerged as legitimate pro level players. Names like Matt Jess, Carl Rimmer, Jack Yeandle and James Scaysbrook come to mind, and Tom Johnson has carved an unlikely path to England honours with his consistency. Flyhalf Gareth Steenson had a big year this season past, enough to allow quality alternative Ignacio Mieres to head to Worcester. Of course this is also tempered with the emergence of u20 world champion Henry Slade, who will look to make his mark with the seniors this year. The Chiefs will need these sorts of players to stand up once again, and it looks like they have the right mix of characters to stay there or thereabouts.

HEAD COACH – Rob Baxter

The former second row and club captain has seen his coaching reputation grow exponentially in the past five years, as indicated by his inclusion in the England tour to Argentina this past June. A canny selector and recruiter, Baxter will have to make do without his brother Richard this season after the latter’s retirement, but has plenty of able lieutenants ready to step up. His job looks as safe as any in the country.

CAPTAIN – Dean Mumm

The Australian has played a key role in every side he has been a part of, and he has proved a very good signing indeed since joining the club last season. With Tom Hayes entering the twilight of his career, Mumm is a worthy successor and a similar operator. Expect him to lead from the front.

KEY PLAYER – Haydn Thomas

It would be easy to call Thomas underrated, but those who have been following the club will know that he is highly respected around the Premiership, and a vital cog in the high-rhythm attack of the Chiefs. His snappy distribution and tactical awareness are top notch. Might not be a star attraction but he’s the next best thing.

ONE TO WATCH – Luke Cowan-Dickie

Jack Nowell might be the name on most people’s lips at the moment, but don’t be surprised if it’s this one who makes it there by the end of the year. With Chris Whitehead and now Jack Yeandle now established as quality rakes, the road to the number 2 jersey looks difficult for the younger Cowan-Dickie, a converted prop, but if his performances at the u20 championships are anything to go by he is more than capable of making the leap. A good combination of athleticism and power, he is truly a modern front row forward.

BIG SIGNING – Fetu’u Vainikolo

After saying goodbye to both Watisoni Votu and Gonzalo Camacho in the offseason, the Chiefs have brought in the dynamic Tongan and Cardiff’s Tom James. Vainikolo hasn’t had many try-scoring chances over the past couple seasons with Connacht, but every time he touches the ball he is a danger, as any Scottish fan can attest to. He should fit right in with Exeter’s game plan.

BIG SIGNING – Donovan Armand

Another astute signing heads to Devon. On the face of it this doesn’t seem like big news, but the real key to Armand’s signature is his ability to provide strong cover for Tom Johnson on the blindside. As Johnson creeps up in age and with possible England duties as well, the physical South African gives Exeter a bigger option to fill in without diminishing the side.

BIG SIGNING – Romana Graham

Coming from the two-time defending Super Rugby champions is never a bad thing, and though he wasn’t in the match day squad he will have seen what it takes to win at the top. The former Maori tourist is a huge physical presence and adds something that the other Chiefs don’t currently have in their lock stock. He might be a bit of a gamble but Baxter has a great track record with these kinds of signings.

TRANSFERS

In – Greg Bateman (London Welsh), Romana Graham (Waikato), Donovan Armand (Western Province), Dave Lewis (Gloucester), Ceri Sweeney (Cardiff Blues), Tom James (Cardiff Blues), Fetu’u Vainikolo (Connacht)

Out – Neil Clark (Oyonnax), Simon Alcott (retired), Chris Budgen (retired), Aly Muldowney (Connacht), Richard Baxter (retired), Kevin Barrett (retired), Junior Poluleuligaga (Auckland), Ignacio Mieres (Worcester), Myles Dorrian (London Irish), Watisoni Votu (Perpignan), Mark Foster (Jersey), Nicolas Sestaret (Saint Medard), Josh Tatupu (Carcassonne), Gonzalo Camacho (Leicester)