Exeter Chiefs Reappoint Ali Hepher to Academy Performance Role

Ali Hepher has been reappointed by Exeter Chiefs in a new academy performance coach role focused on developing young players from age 16 and contributing to talent identification for younger cohorts. This move comes less than four months after Hepher ended his 16-year tenure at the club, which included a stint as head coach and roles as assistant and backs coach, before departing amid a coaching shake-up following a record loss. Chiefs director of rugby Rob Baxter emphasized the importance of Hepher's experience in coaching and player development, highlighting his role in educating coaches and ensuring players learn key fundamentals, game reading, and professional standards from an early age. Hepher’s prior experience includes a significant role in Northampton Saints' academy and contributing to Exeter’s domestic and European successes. The club views this appointment as a positive step in nurturing future talent and maintaining a seamless pathway for players into the senior squad. The return of Hepher is part of the Chiefs' broader strategy to stabilize and advance their player development system following recent coaching changes.