Exeter Chiefs have named Wallabies back-rower Tom Hooper in their matchday 23 for the first time this season, as the club prepares to host Newcastle Red Bulls at Sandy Park in round three of the Gallagher Premiership. Hooper, who made more than 20 appearances for Exeter last season and started the 2026 Premiership Final, only returned to the UK this week after representing Australia in the Rugby Championship.
A Squad Rebuilt Around Form and Fitness
Director of rugby Rob Baxter has made a single change to his starting pack, with Wales international Kane James dropping to the bench to accommodate Italy international Ross Vintcent at openside flanker. The rest of the side carries over much of the form that earned Exeter two points away at Bath. Hooker Jack Yeandle, who scored last weekend, again packs down between Ethan Burger and Josh Iosefa-Scott, while captain Dafydd Jenkins - who led the team in tackles and clearouts against Bath - partners Harry Wilson in the second row.
Baxter's selection reflects a familiar pattern in professional rugby squad management: reward recent performance, but integrate returning internationals carefully rather than rushing them straight back into starting roles. Hooper's inclusion in the replacements, rather than the starting XV, suggests a measured reintegration after international duty, balancing match sharpness against fatigue risk.
Continuity in the Backline
Exeter's half-back pairing of Stephen Varney and Harvey Skinner retains its starting berths after both players scored at The Rec. Immanuel Feyi-Waboso, who scored twice against Bath, lines up on the wing alongside Tommy Wyatt, while Sam Harris steps in at full-back following an injury concern to Olly Woodburn. Will Butt, who impressed against his former club, starts in midfield alongside Henry Slade.
This kind of selection consistency matters beyond team chemistry. In a league table where points differences accumulate quickly across a long season, Baxter's comments about needing "seven or eight points from three weeks" underline how early fixtures shape momentum and confidence heading into the busier winter rounds.
Context for a Competitive Round Three
Newcastle Red Bulls arrive at Sandy Park having shown attacking threat against Leicester Tigers, according to Baxter, even as they continue developing cohesion as a squad. For neutral observers and those following the Premiership's wider narrative, round three fixtures like this one often reveal which sides are building sustainable form versus those still finding their identity under new systems or personnel changes.
The fixture kicks off at 15:00 in Devon, with both sides looking to convert individual quality into collective results as the Premiership season progresses.