Exeter Preparations for 2015-16 Season Pleases Baxter

Exeter City players appear to be determined about improving on last season’s fifth place finish. They have been hitting the training ground even before pre-season officially begins next week. Such commitment from his players seems to have pleased head coach Rob Baxter. Several players have been going through a personalised fitness plan in the last few days. This should hold them in good stead with pre-season about to start. Exeter finished level on points with Leicester Tigers and Saracens. Most of the Exeter players will also have one eye on the Rugby World Cup. Betfair places England as second favourites to win the title at odds of 9/2 in the Rugby World Cup odds.
As Exeter prepare for a hectic pre-season schedule, coach Baxter is also aware of the need to integrate the new players into the squad by breaking the ice with the existing squad. He says that a three-day trip to sunny Spain will help the squad to bond together.
A united squad will be key towards reaching any objectives. The coach, at the moment, is extremely happy with the way the 2015/16 fixtures have panned out for his team. The fixtures were revealed a few days ago and it sees Exeter take on Bath in an away match on the opening day. The first home game of the campaign is against London Irish, who had a disappointing campaign last time around. Some crucial aspects that please Baxter include the prospect of playing at home during the mid-season festive period.
Exeter have not had that luxury for a few years now and they will be very relieved for the 2015-16 season.
The big test for Exeter may come just a few weeks into 2016, as they are up against champions Saracens not once but twice during the space of eight weeks. Aside from this big game, the likes of Bath, Northampton and Leicester will also test the player’s ability to keep going from one big game to another.
The 2015 Rugby World Cup, which starts on 18th September, is potentially an unwanted distraction for the team, but it could potentially be very good for some players. Adam Hughes is one of those who believe that the World Cup could help him revive his career at the club. He made only nine appearances across all competitions last season, and the 25-year-old can’t wait enough for first team opportunities in the coming campaign. He is aware that Exeter will be without a number of key names during the World Cup.
Since he is versatile by being comfortable enough to play in the centre or on the wings, one can be sure that Baxter will use him regularly during the World Cup. Hughes is hoping to capitalize on these chances and establish himself. Henry Slade, Jack Nowell, Chrysander Botha, and Michele Campagnaro are seen as the competitors for Hughes’ position.
Slade’s position in the England squad will be confirmed shortly. The 22-year-old is hoping to be part of the 31 man squad for the tournament. The showpiece event could see England crowned as the world champions, but they have to deal with other top teams like New Zealand and South Africa along the way. Betfair places New Zealand at odds of 5/4 while South Africa are at odds of 5/1.
Hughes’ biggest challenges are with regard to adapting to life at a big club like Exeter. He has previously represented the likes of Bristol and Newport. He admits that it may take a little while before he starts to show his quality on a regular basis.