Exeter defence coach departs

Exeter have confirmed defence coach Julian Salvi has left the club with immediate effect.

Director of Rugby, Rob Baxter, said: “I have been looking to make a change and bring in some fresh ideas within the coaching group. Julian was in the scenario that his contract was up at the end of the season and following discussions between myself and him, I have made the decision to make that change now.

“I would like to thank Julian for all of his efforts, not just as a player, but as a coach and as an all-round clubman, over the past seven years. As a club, we wish Julian and his family all our best wishes for the future.

“In the interim, I have asked Haydn Thomas to oversee our defence coaching until the end of the season, after which I will look at options as to where we go next in terms of this role within the first-team squad.”