Baxter calls for another Euro flyer

EXETER CHIEFS want to emulate their flying start to the European Cup from last season, which propelled them to a first continental crown. Kicking off the tournament in 2019, the Chiefs won at La Rochelle and, now in their quest to go back-to-back in Europe, their boss Rob Baxter has challenged his side to raise their game again.

Exeter face Glasgow tomorrow and are expected to fly the flag for England once more. ‘We want to approach this with the same energy and excitement as last season,’ said Baxter. ‘Last year, La Rochelle really laid down a marker for everything we did. We want the same kind of performance.’

The format of the tournament has changed this year to cram in 24 teams, up from 20. Sides play four pool matches — against two sides home and away — as part of two 12-team conferences. The top four from each conference will contest the quarter-finals. Baxter is not fazed by the new set-up.

‘The reality is most teams go undefeated, or have one slip up, if they win it. You have to go well from the start,’ he added. Eight English sides are in the initial stages. Bristol host Clermont today, while Sale go to Toulon for their first match in 10 years without boss Steve Diamond, Bath play the Scarlets and Wasps visit the Dragons. Tomorrow, Gloucester play Lyon away as Harlequins face a daunting trip to take on Munster.

Bristol won the secondtier Challenge Cup in October, but are back in the main competition for the first time in 12 years hunting the big one. ‘I don’t want us to be a club who just get into Europe and are happy to be in it,’ said boss Pat Lam.

‘We have got to go after the star, go after the trophy.’