On first step to European success
There is a lot to like about the way Exeter go about their business. They are one of the only teams in England to make money, they are coached by Rob Baxter, one of the most highly-rated coaches around, while the squad have not been assembled for ludicrous fees.
It helps too that, in terms of building cohesion, so many of their players have been continually overlooked for international selection — although that is slowly beginning to change.
“We are starting to get the recognition that we feel we deserve because to be up knocking around in three Premiership finals, we must be doing something right,” Steenson insisted.
The Ulsterman has been a mainstay as he continues to pull the strings from out-half.
“It’s been great to be able to grow with the club. To be part of it is very exciting for me and a bit humbling as well,” he said.
“To have won the Premiership was great but I would love to be here and achieve a couple of more things before the dreaded day comes where I have to hang the boots up.
“When that two-year period is over, I am looking to stay involved with the club (coaching).
“Exeter is somewhere I definitely call home now.”
Steenson has settled so much in his new home that he is due to open a new Irish sports bar, the Stand-Off, in the coming weeks.
“It’s a bit of fun really,” he added. “I built a bar in my own garage about three or four years ago. It’s been good fun. It’s always nice to go home and have a nice pint of Guinness in the house.
“To have the opportunity now to bring it into Exeter city centre is very exciting. It’ll be up and running over the next couple of weeks. Hopefully we can bring a bit of Irish hospitality.”
Steenson will put any notion of giving Munster a warm welcome to Sandy Park to one side for 80 minutes as Exeter look to start their Champions Cup campaign on the front foot.