EXETER SET TO DROP CHIEF LOGO

EXETER are highly likely to ditch their Native American logo after ‘overwhelming’ support for change from their members — but will keep their ‘Chiefs’ name. The Devon side have come under pressure to ditch their branding, dominated by a head-dressed Chief, which the National Congress of American Indians labelled ‘harmful’. At the club’s AGM on Wednesday they canvassed their 700-strong membership to inform a board decision. And Sportsmail has learned that while there was by no means unanimity, the ‘overwhelming’ view was that they should change their logo. Exeter have always maintained they are called ‘Chiefs’ as that has been the name given to the top side in Devon since the 1900s, so that moniker will stay. While a rebrand is inevitable, the board, led by owner Tony Rowe, want more time to make an informed decision before another meeting in December. It is understood the rebrand would cost a five-figure sum.

Exeter have been encouraged by pressure groups to align themselves with the Iron Age Dumnonii tribe who lived in Devon and Cornwall up to the early Saxon period. Meanwhile, South Africa director of rugby Rassie Erasmus officially withdrew his appeal against the ban he was handed for criticising referees during the Lions series and apologised for his comments. He is banned for two months from all rugby and 10 months from match days.