Exeter’s horror season hits new low with two coaches suspended after record Premiership defeat by Gloucester as players are told by text

Exeter’s disastrous season hit another fresh low on Monday night after coaches Rob Hunter and Ali Hepher were suspended following the Chiefs’ heaviest-ever Premiership defeat. 

The Sandy Park outfit shipped a shocking 13 tries as they were thrashed 79-17 by Gloucester at Kingsholm on Sunday. 

It was the latest nadir for Exeter in a campaign which has seen the two-time English league champions win just three domestic matches to sit ninth of 10 teams. 

Club chairman Tony Rowe moved swiftly on the back of the Gloucester defeat, suspending both long-standing assistants Hunter and Hepher pending what Exeter say will be ‘a full review of the match and the 2024/25 season to date.’ 

It is understood Exeter’s players were told of Hunter and Hepher’s suspension via text on Monday morning. 

It looks unlikely either will return moving forward. 

Exeter have suspended coaches Rob Hunter (pictured) and Ali Hepher after their latest loss

Hepher has also been suspended following the 79-17, 13-try defeat by Gloucester

Exeter’s England centre Henry Slade reacts to his team’s horror show at Kingsholm

Ireland interim coach and Lions assistant Simon Easterby (pictured here, second left) has been banned from driving for six months and been fined after being caught speeding

Hunter was only promoted to the role of head coach last month with Hepher in charge of attack.

Director of rugby Rob Baxter will take back control of the team for the remaining three Premiership games of what has been an awful campaign. 

Rowe said: ‘No final decision regarding the club’s coaching structure going forward has been made and it would be improper to make any further comment until all internal procedures have been completed.’ 

Meanwhile, Ireland interim coach and Lions assistant Simon Easterby has been disqualified from driving for six months after being caught speeding. 

On Monday, Cardiff Magistrates’ Court heard he was caught exceeding the 70mph speed limit on a dual carriageway in Bodmin, Cornwall, last August. 

Easterby, who lives in Wales, was also told to pay a fine of £1,345 as well as a surcharge. 

He will be an assistant Lions coach to Andy Farrell for this summer’s tour of Australia.