Love Final 2026: Can Exeter complete remarkable title-winning turnaround?

“Rob is a passionate guy, very passionate about the club, passionate about it,” former Exeter fly-half Gareth Stinson told BBC South West.

“I know last year definitely hurt him.

“I think it’s probably that connection again with the squad, it seems like they’re all connected to what they do and they’ve bought into what they’re trying to achieve.”

Stinson knows more than most what it means to win with Exeter.

The Ulsterman, who is now Ireland’s women’s attacking coach, Spent 12 years as a Chiefs player And Four as coach until he left two years ago.

Earlier in 2010, he scored the winning point when Exeter were promoted to the Premiership. He kicked the crucial score as the Chiefs won their first title in 2017.

He helped Exeter reach every Premier League final from 2016 until his retirement in 2020, winning a league and European double in his final season.

“I know pre-season meant getting out on the sand dunes, running around, things we’ll experience even at Championship level, but it creates a bond that’s a bit different and I think you can see that.

“That emotion, it’s probably a few years of redemption.

“It’s been a tough couple of years but knowing he’s got a good team around him, they all feel part of it. They look like a team fighting for each other, that’s the biggest thing I can see from the outside.

“Having chatted to a few of the guys, they say it’s not that different to how it was a few years ago and that’s exactly what you want to see.”