Exe Men: The Extraordinary Rise of the Exeter Chiefs

Exe Men is a compelling story of Exeter Chiefs' rise from obscurity to become the double champions of England and Europe, exploring regional pride, rural identity, and personal sacrifice. It is the inside story of their incredible journey from the edge of nowhere to the summit of the English and European club game.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 304 pages
Publication date: 04 November 2021
Publisher: Polaris Publishing Limited

Winner of the Telegraph Sports Book Awards Rugby Book of the Year, Among the most remarkable tales in modern British team sport has been the rise of Exeter Chiefs. How, exactly, did an unfashionable rugby team from Devon emerge from obscurity to become the double champions of England and Europe? What makes them tick? What are their secrets?

Exe Men is a captivating tale of regional pride, rugged rural identity, larger-than-life local heroes, remarkable characters, epic resilience, big city snobbery, geographical separation, towering ambition, and personal sacrifice that will resonate with anyone who enjoys a classic underdog story. This is not just any old rugby book; it is the inside story of Exeter's incredible journey from the edge of nowhere to the summit of the English and European club game.

The book delves into the history of the Exeter Chiefs, from their humble beginnings in the local rugby league to their meteoric rise to the top of the English rugby union. It explores the factors that contributed to their success, including a strong sense of community, a commitment to player development, and a innovative coaching philosophy.

One of the key themes of the book is the resilience of the Exeter Chiefs players and coaching staff. Despite facing numerous challenges and setbacks throughout their journey, they never lost sight of their goals and continued to push themselves to be the best they could be. The book showcases the personal sacrifices that the players and coaches made to achieve their success, including the long hours of training, the physical and mental toll of competition, and the emotional toll of losing close games.

Another theme of the book is the larger-than-life local heroes who have played a significant role in the Exeter Chiefs' success. These include players such as Matt Dawson, Rob Baxter, and Dave Ewers, as well as coaches such as Rob Baxter and Andy Robinson. The book explores the impact that these individuals have had on the community and the rugby world, and how their stories have inspired and motivated others.

The book also delves into the cultural and social significance of rugby in Devon and the South West of England. Rugby has long been a part of the local identity, and the Exeter Chiefs' success has brought a sense of pride and celebration to the region. The book explores the role that rugby has played in shaping the local community and the impact that it has had on the social and economic development of the area.

Overall, Exe Men is a must-read for anyone who enjoys a compelling and inspiring underdog story. It is a testament to the power of determination, hard work, and community spirit, and a reminder that anything is possible with a little bit of passion and perseverance.

Weight: 452g
Dimension: 153 x 234 x 30 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781913538712
Edition number: New in Paperback