Where are they now? The Exeter Chiefs players who beat Saracens in their debut season
It's been almost 16 years since the Exeter Chiefs made rugby history, beating Saracens in their debut season in the top flight. The Chiefs, fresh off promotion, traveled to Vicarage Road, Watford, to face a high-flying Sarries side that hadn't lost at home for eight months. With a place in the Gallagher Premiership's top four on the line, the Chiefs emerged victorious with a 23-9 win, thanks to a heroics from fly-half Ryan Davis, who scored 18 points on his Premiership debut, and Brett Sturgess, who scored the late try that sealed the win.
This win was a huge moment for the Chiefs, and it's fascinating to look back at the players who made it happen and see where they are now. From settled careers in coaching and management to surprising shifts into new industries, these players have certainly made their mark on the rugby world and beyond.
One thing that immediately stands out is the diversity of paths these players have taken. While some have remained in rugby, others have ventured into completely different fields, showcasing the wide-ranging impact of this historic win.
Personally, I think it's incredible to see how these players have evolved and adapted to new roles. It's a testament to their versatility and the impact they had on the game. From the heroics on the field to the diverse careers they've built, these players have certainly left their mark on rugby and beyond.
Now, let's take a closer look at some of the key players from that historic win and see where they are now.
Ryan Davis: The Hero of the Hour
Ryan Davis, the fly-half who scored 18 points on his Premiership debut, has had a long and successful career in rugby. After his heroics against Saracens, Davis went on to play for Bath, where he worked in project management. However, he has since returned to his first club, and is now a long-serving member of the coaching staff.
What makes this particularly fascinating is the evolution of Davis' career. From a standout performance on his debut to a coaching role, Davis has certainly come a long way. In my opinion, his transition from player to coach is a testament to his dedication and passion for the game. It's also a great example of how players can use their experience to give back to the sport.
Brett Sturgess: The Late Try Hero
Brett Sturgess, the loosehead prop who scored the late try that sealed the win, has also had a successful career in rugby. After his heroics against Saracens, Sturgess went on to play for Exeter Chiefs, where he was a key part of the team's success. He has since retired from playing and is now a director of the family decorating firm.
What's interesting about Sturgess' career is the balance he has struck between his rugby career and his family business. It's a great example of how players can use their rugby experience to build on other interests and businesses. From my perspective, Sturgess' transition from player to business owner is a testament to his drive and ambition. It's also a great reminder that rugby players can have successful careers beyond the field.
Luke Arscott: The Settled Full-Back
Luke Arscott, the full-back who was a key part of the Exeter Chiefs team, has also had a successful career in rugby. After his debut season, Arscott went on to play for Bristol, where he settled in and became a key part of the team. He is now the head coach of Dings Crusaders and operations manager for a property firm.
What makes Arscott's career particularly interesting is the transition he made from player to coach. It's a great example of how players can use their experience to give back to the sport and develop the next generation of players. In my opinion, Arscott's move into coaching is a testament to his passion for the game and his commitment to its growth.
Andy Higgins: The Events Wizard
Andy Higgins, the winger who has worked in events, as a licensee and in hospitality, and is the tournament director of the Rosslyn Park National Schools 7s, is another player who has had a successful career beyond rugby. Higgins' experience in events and hospitality is a great example of how rugby players can use their skills and connections to build successful careers in other fields.
What's fascinating about Higgins' career is the diversity of his experiences. From events to hospitality to tournament direction, Higgins has certainly made the most of his rugby connections. In my opinion, his move into tournament direction is a great example of how players can use their rugby experience to build on other interests and businesses. It's also a great reminder that rugby players can have successful careers beyond the field.
Phil Dollman: The Sales Rep
Phil Dollman, the centre who scored a try in the Chiefs' 2017 Premiership-winning success, has also had a successful career in rugby. After his debut season, Dollman went on to play for Exeter Chiefs, where he was a key part of the team's success. He is now a sales rep for Medical Equipment Manufacturing firm Stryker.
What's interesting about Dollman's career is the transition he made from rugby to sales. It's a great example of how players can use their skills and connections to build successful careers in other fields. From my perspective, Dollman's move into sales is a testament to his adaptability and drive. It's also a great reminder that rugby players can have successful careers beyond the field.
Bryan Rennie: The Hong Kong Sevens Executive
Bryan Rennie, the Scotland A centre who has settled in Hong Kong, where he is co-owner of RugbyTots Hong Kong and executive director of the Hong Kong Sevens, is another player who has had a successful career beyond rugby. Rennie's experience in Hong Kong is a great example of how rugby players can use their skills and connections to build successful careers in other countries.
What's fascinating about Rennie's career is the international reach of his rugby connections. From Scotland A to Hong Kong Sevens, Rennie has certainly made the most of his rugby experience. In my opinion, his move to Hong Kong is a testament to his adaptability and drive. It's also a great reminder that rugby players can have successful careers beyond the field and can build on their rugby experience in new and exciting ways.
Mark Foster: The Financial Executive
Mark Foster, the winger who has worked as a senior vice president of finance at LIV Golf and is now the chief financial officer of Centaur, a multi-boutique specialist insurance group, is another player who has had a successful career beyond rugby. Foster's experience in finance is a great example of how rugby players can use their skills and connections to build successful careers in other fields.
What's interesting about Foster's career is the transition he made from rugby to finance. It's a great example of how players can use their skills and connections to build successful careers in other fields. From my perspective, Foster's move into finance is a testament to his adaptability and drive. It's also a great reminder that rugby players can have successful careers beyond the field and can build on their rugby experience in new and exciting ways.
Haydn Thomas: The Scrum-Half Coach
Haydn Thomas, a scrum-half who had two spells with Exeter Chiefs and is still at Sandy Park on Rob Baxter's coaching staff and also coaches Exeter University, is another player who has had a successful career in rugby. Thomas' experience as a player and coach is a great example of how players can use their rugby experience to give back to the sport and develop the next generation of players.
What's fascinating about Thomas' career is the balance he has struck between his playing and coaching roles. It's a great example of how players can use their rugby experience to build on their coaching skills. In my opinion, Thomas' move into coaching is a testament to his passion for the game and his commitment to its growth. It's also a great reminder that rugby players can have successful careers beyond the field and can build on their rugby experience in new and exciting ways.
Neil Clark: The Golf and Tourism Entrepreneur
Neil Clark, the England under-21 hooker who had two spells at Exeter and owns Whealdream Holidays and Leisure, a golf and tourism complex he owns in Helston, Cornwall, is another player who has had a successful career beyond rugby. Clark's experience in golf and tourism is a great example of how rugby players can use their skills and connections to build successful businesses.
What's interesting about Clark's career is the diversity of his business interests. From rugby to golf and tourism, Clark has certainly made the most of his rugby connections. In my opinion, his move into golf and tourism is a testament to his drive and ambition. It's also a great reminder that rugby players can have successful careers beyond the field and can build on their rugby experience in new and exciting ways.
Chris Budgen: The Army Veteran
Chris Budgen, the New Zealand-born tighthead who combined playing with serving in the British Army as a Lance Corporal in the Royal Welsh Regiment, is another player who has had a unique career path. Budgen's experience in the military is a great example of how rugby players can use their skills and connections to serve their country.
What's fascinating about Budgen's career is the balance he has struck between his rugby career and his military service. It's a great example of how players can use their rugby experience to build on other interests and serve their country. In my opinion, Budgen's move into the military is a testament to his dedication and commitment. It's also a great reminder that rugby players can have successful careers beyond the field and can build on their rugby experience in new and exciting ways.
Tommy Hayes: The Farming Coach
Tommy Hayes, the lock who is the brother of legendary Irish prop John, qualified as a Quantity Surveyor and returned to Ireland, where he has coached and worked in farming. Hayes' experience in farming is a great example of how rugby players can use their skills and connections to build successful careers in other fields.
What's interesting about Hayes' career is the transition he made from rugby to farming. It's a great example of how players can use their skills and connections to build successful careers in other fields. From my perspective, Hayes' move into farming is a testament to his adaptability and drive. It's also a great reminder that rugby players can have successful careers beyond the field and can build on their rugby experience in new and exciting ways.
James Hanks: The Rugby Master
James Hanks, a lock who was forced to retire with a neck injury became a sports coach and then the master in charge of rugby at Dulwich College, where he is now a housemaster, is another player who has had a successful career in rugby. Hanks' experience as a coach and master is a great example of how players can use their rugby experience to give back to the sport and develop the next generation of players.
What's fascinating about Hanks' career is the transition he made from player to coach and master. It's a great example of how players can use their rugby experience to build on their coaching skills and give back to the sport. In my opinion, Hanks' move into coaching and master is a testament to his passion for the game and his commitment to its growth. It's also a great reminder that rugby players can have successful careers beyond the field and can build on their rugby experience in new and exciting ways.
Tom Johnson: The Lifestyle Brand Founder
Tom Johnson, the England international flanker who is based in Lympstone, Devon and founded a health and wellbeing lifestyle brand, is another player who has had a successful career beyond rugby. Johnson's experience in health and wellbeing is a great example of how rugby players can use their skills and connections to build successful businesses.
What's interesting about Johnson's career is the diversity of his business interests. From rugby to health and wellbeing, Johnson has certainly made the most of his rugby connections. In my opinion, his move into health and wellbeing is a testament to his drive and ambition. It's also a great reminder that rugby players can have successful careers beyond the field and can build on their rugby experience in new and exciting ways.
James Scaysbrook: The Defence Coach
James Scaysbrook, England Saxons flanker who was head coach at Plymouth Albion and coached at Coventry, but is now the defence coach for the Ireland women’s team, is another player who has had a successful career in rugby. Scaysbrook's experience as a coach and defence coach is a great example of how players can use their rugby experience to give back to the sport and develop the next generation of players.
What's fascinating about Scaysbrook's career is the transition he made from player to coach and defence coach. It's a great example of how players can use their rugby experience to build on their coaching skills and give back to the sport. In my opinion, Scaysbrook's move into defence coaching is a testament to his passion for the game and his commitment to its growth. It's also a great reminder that rugby players can have successful careers beyond the field and can build on their rugby experience in new and exciting ways.
Richard Baxter: The Family Farm Owner
Richard Baxter, the No.8 who is a former Chiefs captain and holds the club appearance record, runs the family farm and is the brother of Chiefs boss Rob. Baxter's experience in farming is a great example of how rugby players can use their skills and connections to build successful businesses.
What's interesting about Baxter's career is the balance he has struck between his rugby career and his family farm. It's a great example of how players can use their rugby experience to build on other interests and businesses. From my perspective, Baxter's move into farming is a testament to his drive and ambition. It's also a great reminder that rugby players can have successful careers beyond the field and can build on their rugby experience in new and exciting ways.
Simon Alcott: The Offshore Energy Executive
Simon Alcott, the hooker who went into the offshore energy industry and has worked for several companies, is another player who has had a successful career beyond rugby. Alcott's experience in offshore energy is a great example of how rugby players can use their skills and connections to build successful careers in other fields.
What's fascinating about Alcott's career is the transition he made from rugby to offshore energy. It's a great example of how players can use their skills and connections to build successful careers in other fields. From my perspective, Alcott's move into offshore energy is a testament to his adaptability and drive. It's also a great reminder that rugby players can have successful careers beyond the field and can build on their rugby experience in new and exciting ways.
Ben Moon: The Self-Storage Director
Ben Moon, the former England loosehead who is a director of Moon's self-storage and is a sales and account manager at United Fixings, is another player who has had a successful career beyond rugby. Moon's experience in self-storage and sales is a great example of how rugby players can use their skills and connections to build successful businesses.
What's interesting about Moon's career is the transition he made from rugby to self-storage and sales. It's a great example of how players can use their skills and connections to build successful careers in other fields. From my perspective, Moon's move into self-storage and sales is a testament to his drive and ambition. It's also a great reminder that rugby players can have successful careers beyond the field and can build on their rugby experience in new and exciting ways.
Hoani Tui: The Wellington Assistant Coach
Hoani Tui, the New Zealand-born tighthead who has been an assistant coach to the Wellington under-15s team, is another player who has had a successful career in rugby. Tui's experience as an assistant coach is a great example of how players can use their rugby experience to give back to the sport and develop the next generation of players.
What's fascinating about Tui's career is the transition he made from player to assistant coach. It's a great example of how players can use their rugby experience to build on their coaching skills and give back to the sport. In my opinion, Tui's move into coaching is a testament to his passion for the game and his commitment to its growth. It's also a great reminder that rugby players can have successful careers beyond the field and can build on their rugby experience in new and exciting ways.
Peter Kimlin: The Perth Project Manager
Peter Kimlin, the Wallaby lock who went into project management and is working for Sodexo in Perth, Australia, is another player who has had a successful career beyond rugby. Kimlin's experience in project management is a great example of how rugby players can use their skills and connections to build successful careers in other fields.
What's interesting about Kimlin's career is the transition he made from rugby to project management. It's a great example of how players can use their skills and connections to build successful careers in other fields. From my perspective, Kimlin's move into project management is a testament to his adaptability and drive. It's also a great reminder that rugby players can have successful careers beyond the field and can build on their rugby experience in new and exciting ways.
Chad Slade: The Auckland Programme Leader
Chad Slade, the Samoan No.8 who is now a programme leader with Youngtown Inc in Auckland, New Zealand, is another player who has had a successful career beyond rugby. Slade's experience in programme leadership is a great example of how rugby players can use their skills and connections to build successful careers in other fields.
What's fascinating about Slade's career is the transition he made from rugby to programme leadership. It's a great example of how players can use their skills and connections to build successful careers in other fields. From my perspective, Slade's move into programme leadership is a testament to his drive and ambition. It's also a great reminder that rugby players can have successful careers beyond the field and can build on their rugby experience in new and exciting ways.
Junior Poluleuligaga: The Albion Director of Rugby
Junior Poluleuligaga, the Samoan scrum-half who is now Director of Rugby at Brothers Rugby Club in Albion, Queensland, is another player who has had a successful career in rugby. Poluleuligaga's experience as a Director of Rugby is a great example of how players can use their rugby experience to give back to the sport and develop the next generation of players.
What's fascinating about Poluleuligaga's career is the transition he made from player to Director of Rugby. It's a great example of how players can use their rugby experience to build on their coaching skills and give back to the sport. In my opinion, Poluleuligaga's move into Director of Rugby is a testament to his passion for the game and his commitment to its growth. It's also a great reminder that rugby players can have successful careers beyond the field and can build on
