Nuffield continue Chiefs tie-up

By Mark Stevens
24/8/2016

Nuffield Health Exeter Hospital and Aviva Premiership giants Exeter Chiefs are to continue their winning partnership for a fifth successive season.

With rugby becoming an increasingly demanding sport physically, it’s crucial modern-day players have the right medical team behind them - and that’s why the new sponsorship agreement between the two has been heralded by both parties ahead of the 2016/17 season.

Continuing in their key sponsor role as official Healthcare Partners, Nuffield Health have in recent times helped a number of Rob Baxter’s squad to bounce back to full fitness following on-field injuries.

Among those to benefit from the Nuffield partnership was Exeter’s England international, Tom Johnson, who spent three weeks receiving shockwave treatment on an Achilles problem in the off season

The back-row forward was full of praise for the service provided by the Nuffield team, saying: “These days a lot of the treatment we receive is designed to prevent, as much as treat, injuries.

“The Nuffield has excellent equipment and facilities, such as scanners, which enable the medics to assess any niggles we have quickly and accurately. That’s not only a benefit to us, but also the coaching staff because they can plan for who is likely to be fit or not well in advance of a game.”

Johnson revealed the treatment he received before pre-season training began meant he did not miss one session.

“What happens on the field is very much related to what happens off the field and the Nuffield are key partners in that,” he explained.

Welcoming the new agreement, Chiefs’ Head of Corporate, John Wood said: “Our relationship with Nuffield has grown from strength to strength over the last five years and ensures the best quality end-to-end care for our players, building on the relationships between our own medical team and the consultants at the hospital”.

It’s a view endorsed by Paul Taylor, Hospital Director at Nuffield Health Exeter Hospital, who added:  “We are absolutely delighted to be working with the Chiefs again this season.  We are proud to provide expert clinical care to get injured players back on the pitch.

“As a key service provider and employer within Exeter, our relationship with the Chiefs really cements our commitment to the city.”