Exeter boss Rob Baxter said an astounding second-half fightback in a 33-33 draw at Northampton on Sunday proved their determination to keep a promise he made to supporters.
The Chiefs finished a lowly ninth in the English Premiership in 2024-25, with the southwest side suffering several heavy defeats.
Exeter looked destined for more of the same when they were 33-7 behind at halftime in Northampton, with the Saints establishing a commanding lead after 19-year-old Italian wing Edoardo Todaro scored on his league debut.
But Exeter stormed back after the break to end the match all square.
"I said we promised this wasn't what we were going to be about," insisted Baxter.
"I also said to them the one thing I promised everybody at the club, and every supporter who's asked me what's going to happen this season, I promised them wins, I promised them points, I promised them a good place in the table, I promised them we would be a more competitive team."
A game of two halves. We draw in Northampton.#NORvEXE | #JointheJourney | @LinealSoftware pic.twitter.com/iojW7Bx3HH
— Exeter Chiefs (@ExeterChiefs) September 28, 2025
He added: "Our choice was to stand up and be counted or roll over, and fair play to the players, they went out and they played the second half... I'm delighted we showed the character to get back into the game."
Tearing up like he never left ⚡️
— Exeter Chiefs (@ExeterChiefs) September 28, 2025
Welcome back, Manny ⚔️#NORvEXE | #JointheJourney pic.twitter.com/Uix9Jiw4bQ
Immanuel Feyi-Waboso's opening try for Exeter looked set to count for little as Northampton surged into a big lead thanks to scores by Alex Coles, Tom Pearson, Todaro (two) and Tom Litchfield.
But Paul Brown-Bampoe's try started the Exeter recovery, with Ross Vintcent crossing twice before Feyi-Waboso's second try of the match drew the visitors level.
Northampton coach Phil Dowson said: "We went from 33-7 at halftime, feeling pretty good and then a very, very poor second half.
"We didn't look after the ball, we invited opportunities for them in our 22, they're a very capable side and they flipped the game on its head."
