Western Morning News (Saturday)
Chiefs players happy to do their bit for charity
THE Exeter Chiefs squad have been doing their bit still to help spread some festive cheer to those working or having to spend time at the nearby Royal Devon & Exeter Hospital.
In what has been a challenging year for all of us, the Chiefs have worked closely with the hospital’s communications team to produce a series of videos - thanking the champion staff at the RD&E for their efforts in dealing with the global Covid-19 pandemic.
These videos are currently being beamed each evening on the side of the hospital’s Oncology building - and proving hugely popular with those visiting the site.
Equally, the Chiefs players are not letting the Covid outbreak prevent them from putting together a stack of presents for youngsters, who will be spending the festive period on the Bramble Children’s Unit.
Sadly, regulations mean the players themselves will not be able to make their annual visit to the Unit, but this week Kye Munslow from the playing side staff delivered a number of presents and Chiefs goodies to staff, who will dish them out to patients coming onto the unit.
Chiefs and England star Don Armand, who helped to oversee the collection of presents - and who also featured in the videos - said: “As a squad we are disappointed that we won’t be making our annual visit down to the Bramble Unit, but that doesn’t mean we are not able to carry out putting together sacks of presents for the patients.
“For us as players and also as parents ourselves, it’s about giving something back to those people who are suffering around Christmas time.
“Our aim is to bring some Christmas cheer to the patients, families and the amazing staff. It’s something that’s very important for all of us here at the Chiefs.”
Meanwhile, Exeter Rugby club chairman and chief executive, Tony Rowe OBE, has expressed his delight at the results of the latest bond scheme released by the newlycrowned English and European champions.
Launched in September, the Exeter Chiefs 2027 Bond has helped to raise over £10.5 million already - and will be used to further enhance all facets of the business over the coming years.
Under the stewardship of Rowe, Exeter Rugby Club have, until the untimely outbreak of Covid-19 around the world, become the Gallagher Premiership’s only profitable club - and have made huge strides in developing the success of the Chiefs, both on and off the field.
The Exeter Chiefs 2027 Bond comes on the back of the club producing a similar scheme back in 2020.
“To see the figures raised with the launch of this latest bond scheme is hugely encouraging,” said Rowe. “To raise over £10m in the current climate, demonstrated the confidence people having in our business and its success moving forward.
“As we all know, this past year has been incredibly challenging for all of us, but we believe the club remains in a very strong position moving forward and that these funds will be used to enhance the business further.
“For me, the figures raised underline the fantastic support we generate from our fan base and the local community as a whole.”
Included in the future plans for Sandy Park are the extension of the East Terrace, which will help raise capacity for matchdays, as well as work on both the interior and exterior of the complex.