"Exciting times" lie ahead - Hayes

By Mark Stevens

Exeter Chiefs captain Tom Hayes says yet more "exciting" times lie ahead for the club after another impressive year of action both in the Aviva Premiership and the Heineken Cup.

Exeter's last-day 40-39 victory over Gloucester at a packed Sandy Park, not only ensured Rob Baxter's side of sixth spot in English rugby's top division, but it guaranteed the Chiefs would be mixing it with Europe's elite again next season.

Having tasted the delights of Heineken Cup rugby for the first time during the 2012/13 campaign, Hayes insists he and his club-mates will be more than happy to pit their wits against the Northern Hemisphere's top clubs.

He said: "It has been another really exciting year for us. I know some people will look at the games that got away from us at times – maybe we could have finished fifth or even fourth in the table - but it has still been a hugely positive year for us. We are in the Heineken Cup again and we have done it in our own right by beating Gloucester.

"Again it's very exciting for the club to be back in the Heineken Cup again next season."

Happy to defy the predictions of the media - not just last season, but in previous years - the Irishman insists the Chiefs are always willing to defy the odds and take on the challenge thrown in front of them.

"It is just another one of those challenges that we continue to face up to," said the experienced second-row. "We got into the Premiership and that was a huge challenge for us in the first year and then it was trying to avoid second season syndrome. This year, we had to be careful taking on the Heineken Cup – every year seems to throw something up for us and that is exciting."

And the experience of playing the likes of Scarlets, Leinster and finalists Clermont Auvergne will benefit Chiefs next season, according to Hayes.

He said: "Getting to taste the Heineken Cup – all six games – getting to win two games and play away in Clermont, which was a really special venue, it was all a huge thing for us. It was an exposure to a whole new level of rugby for us and we are really glad to have experienced it."

One man who will not be on Exeter's European escapades next season is long-serving No.8 Richard Baxter, who ran out for the final time in club colours against Gloucester.

The 34-year-old forward (pictured) amassed 431 games and 126 tries for the Chiefs during a 16 season spell - and Hayes says the depature of Baxter, together with a number of others, will leave a void that needs to be filled.

"Richie is a Chiefs icon and he deserves every accolade that comes his way," said Hayes. "He has been an absolute hero and an inspiration to a lot of us in the squad. I have been here five years and I'm glad I got to play with him and see the quality of the man close up, rather than just against him.

"He is one of the most selfless and humble people you will ever come across. He is always willing to do everything he can for the club. He certainly leaves a huge void in terms of his experience and his connection with the past – your history makes you what you are.

"It is a big void and it will up to other people to step in and create history again."