The Exeter Chiefs’ Ironmen

Posted on Oct 5, 2012 in Exeter Chiefs

Exeter will play their 50th Premiership game this weekend. James Scaysbrook, Tom Hayes and Tom Johnson have played in all 49 so far, thereby all racking up their 50th successive Premiership game if they appear against Harlequins on Saturday, writes Stuart Farmer.

In the history of the Premiership just a dozen players have played in 50 consecutive matches, the record being held by Gloucester’s Alex Brown with 87 in a row between 2000-04.

Michael Claassens has appeared in Bath’s last 75 Premiership encounters and counting, since April 2009.

James Scaysbrook has in fact STARTED all 49 games for Exeter, just three players have started 50 successive Premiership matches: only Tom Voyce (58), Jamie Noon (56) and Alex Brown (51) got there before him.

During his incredible run Scaysbrook has failed to be on the pitch when the final whistle has blown on just two occasions. He’s missed a grand total of just 51 minutes of Exeter’s total playing time in the Premiership, with half an hour of that spent during three spells in the sinbin!

RFU Podcast: Lancaster, Marler, Robinson, Walker

Posted on Jun 8, 2012 in RFU Podcast

On the eve of the first Test, we look in detail at the England side selected to face South Africa tomorrow in Durban.

Head Coach Stuart Lancaster takes us through the team which will see first caps won by Harlequins’ prop Joe Marler and Exeter Chiefs flanker Tom Johnson with uncapped London Irish centre Jonathan Joseph on the bench.

Lancaster says Marler "has matured massively over the last 12 months and proved his worth in the [Aviva Premiership] final against our tight head Dan Cole".

We also hear from Marler, the 21 year old loose head who is "buzzing" at the chance of taking on the Springboks.

Closer to home, Jason Robinson is the latest player to be inducted into the Rugby Players Association.

He reflects on the award and runs the rule over England’s Owen Farrell, who he watched growing up when he was playing alongside his dad Andy at Wigan.

England’s Under 20s are up and running at the Junior World Championship – also in South Africa – with a 64-5 win over Italy in their opening game.

We catch up with Chris Walker, who led the side against Italy, ahead of the second pool match against Ireland on Friday.