This season won’t be too fondly remembered by the Exeter faithful, but it seems plans are already in motion to drastically improve things for the 2025/26 Premiership campaign. 

Exeter have already confirmed the signing of Wallabies ace Tom Hooper for next year, and it seems he isn’t the only Aussie heading to the South West either with Len Ikitau, Jake Gordon and Julian Heaven all reportedly attracting interest from director of rugby Rob Baxter. Elsewhere, Springboks hooker Joseph Dweba is heavily linked with a move to Devon this summer

But, with these new additions coming to bolster the ranks at Sandy Park, how could the Chiefs line up? Well, here is our best bet at a potential Exeter Chiefs 23-man squad for the 2025/26 season.

15 Tommy Wyatt

Explosive back Tommy Wyatt will likely slot in at 15 once again when Exeter are back to full strength next season. The Taunton-native has had a really bright start to his early Chiefs career, and another strong season could easily see him banging on the door for an England A or even senior squad call-up. Watch this space.

14 Immanuel Feyi-Waboso

You’d expect Immanuel Feyi-Waboso will come straight back into this Exeter starting XV when he’s back up and running. The England international has established himself as the beating heart of this Chiefs side in the past two seasons, and he will likely be a key man for them again in the 2025/26 season.

13 Henry Slade

Do we need to explain the importance of Henry Slade to this Exeter side? The stalwart centre has been with the Chiefs throughout their rise to the top table of English and European rugby, and will once need to be at his best if they want to get back to those levels. He should also return to his preferred spot at 13 after spending some time at 10 this season.

12 Len Ikitau

It’s only a reported deal for now, but it seems Ikitau will be plying his trade at Sandy Park next season. The Wallaby is currently bang-in-form, starring for Joe Schmidt’s side during the Autumn Nations Series, and his brand of attacking flair could really help unlock Exeter’s true potential. He would also form a serious midfield partnership with Slade

11 Olly Woodburn

Fan favourite Olly Woodburn is one of the more underrated parts of this Exeter side, but he is ageing like a fine wine. Until he picked up a season-ending knee injury, Woodburn was head-and-shoulders Exeter’s best player and has been solid throughout his time at Sandy Park. Just a very classy player.

10 Harvey Skinner

10 is a strange one for Exeter right now, but you’d think Harvey Skinner will return to their starting line-up next season. He has been usurped by Slade this year, with Baxter in turn using Will Rigg, Joe Hawkins and Tamati Tua in midfield, but he has done a decent job during their Premiership Rugby Cup block and that could push him back into their starting team in the regular Premiership.

9 Jake Gordon

Another reported signing is Wallabies nine Gordon, who would likely slot straight into the starting line-up if he was to join the Devonians. Exeter have been crying out for a nine like Gordon, who would bring some vital experience and Test-level quality. Crucially, he could serve as that mentor to their young crop of scrum-halves to learn from too, putting them in a better position in the future.

8 Greg Fisilau

He might not be tied down for next year, right now, but you’d imagine the club are doing everything to tie him down for the foreseeable future. Greg Fisilau has been one of Exeter’s most consistent players since arriving from Wasps in 2022, and has become their main gainline carrier. He is also likely banging on Steve Borthwick’s door for inclusion on the summer tour after an impressive showing for England A, so it is vital that Exeter lock him onto a new deal.

7 Tom Hooper

The first confirmed recruit for next season is Wallabies forward Hooper, who should come straight into their starting XV. Hooper would add some real talent to their back-row, and seems a very decent replacement for the outgoing Jacques Vermeulen. Crucially, he will come with a point to prove.

6 Ethan Roots

England international Ethan Roots has made a serious impact since his arrival from Ospreys, and will likely be a key part of their starting XV again next season. The biggest compliment you can probably pay him is you really notice a difference when he goes off the pitch, as he just gets through so much work for his side on both sides of the ball.

5 Franco Molina

Los Pumas star Franco Molina wasn’t on the list of players confirmed for next season (to date), but again you’d think Baxter would be moving heaven and earth to keep him at Sandy Park for next season. He has made a really solid impact following his arrival in October, giving the pack another serious ball-carrier and lineout option.

4 Dafydd Jenkins (c)

Skipper Dafydd Jenkins will certainly be back in Exeter’s starting XV. His return from injury in December has coincided with the Chiefs’ serious up-turn in form, proving just how important he is to their success. Despite his age, he is a major leader for the Chiefs too, both on the pitch via his actions and just around the squad too.

3 Ehren Painter

Tighthead is a strong area for Exeter at the moment, but Ehren Painter should come back into the squad next season when he’s back to full fitness. He was clearly brought in to lock down the scrum, and he has done that in bagfuls by helping turn it into a serious weapon for the Devonians.

2 Joseph Dweba

A rumoured signing here, but Springboks hooker Dweba also looks to be headed for Sandy Park next season. He would not only be a great replacement for outgoing hooker Dan Frost, but would add a completely fresh dynamic to their pack with his brand of pace and power. Could be a serious signing for the Chiefs.

1 Scott Sio

Rounding off the starting XV, you’d think Scott Sio will once again slot in at loosehead. The former Wallaby has made the number 1 jersey his own since arriving at the club, but also adds some serious leadership around his obvious talents in the scrum and around the park.

Bench: 16 Julian Heaven, 17 Will Goodrick-Clarke, 18 Josh Iosefa-Scott, 19 Christ Tshiunza, 20 Ross Vintcent, 21 Stu Townsend, 22 Will Haydon-Wood, 23 Zach Wimbush

The Chiefs bench is an interesting area, given the fact Baxter has often rotated this area a lot in the current campaign. The headline selections will likely be Josh Iosefa-Scott, Christ Tshiunza and Ross Vintcent, who will all be pushing for a spot in that starting XV. Richard Capstick, Rusi Tuima, and Josh Hodge will have something to say about this too, given their impressive performances both this season and in years gone by. Heaven is also a new addition who could occupy a spot on the bench, with reports suggesting he is on his way to the South West