Exeter Chiefs dismiss head coach Rob Hunter after record 79-17 defeat

Exeter Chiefs head coach Rob Hunter has left the club by mutual agreement after only four games in the top role, following his recent suspension alongside attack coach Ali Hepher in the wake of the team's record 79-17 defeat to Gloucester. Hunter, who spent 13 years at Sandy Park and played a key part in Exeter's Premiership and European successes, was thanked by club leadership for his commitment and positive impact. The upheaval is part of a wider coaching shake-up for the struggling Premiership side, which currently sits ninth in the table and has seen multiple coaching changes this season. Director of rugby Rob Baxter has resumed a more hands-on coaching role for the remainder of the season, with Hepher's future yet to be determined. The club acknowledged the difficulty of parting ways with a longtime contributor but expressed confidence about building on the foundations Hunter helped establish. Further changes to the coaching staff may be forthcoming as Exeter continues to review its disappointing season.