Waldrom ruled out of Prem final

By Mark Stevens
25/5/2016

Exeter Chiefs have been dealt an untimely injury blow just days before they feature in their first-ever Aviva Premiership final against Saracens at Twickenham.

Head coach Rob Baxter confirmed today that No.8 Thomas Waldrom will not feature on Saturday after picking up a knee injury during last weekend's semi-final win over Wasps.

The England international is set for 12 weeks on the sidelines after suffering damage to his medial ligament in the closing stages of Exeter's 34-23 victory.

Waldrom's absence will be felt by the Chiefs as the 33-year-old not only has previous experience of playing in English rugby's showpiece event, but he has led the try-scoring charts for a second season at the Devon club.

Baxter (pictured) said: "It's very disappointing for Thomas because he has had a fantastic season. I feel for him missing out on the final because he has been a driving force for us now for a couple of seasons and been a big part of what we have done as a club.

"He brings his own sense of humour to things and was a founder member of 'Cookie Club', but I do feel for him at this time.

"I know initially Thomas was very disappointed, but once he got his head around things he's been very positive around the place this week and he will play his part up there this weekend in helping the guys get ready for the game."

Baxter's disappointment at the loss of Waldrom was echoed by team-mate Don Armand, who added: "It's really horrible for someone like 'Tank' especially, who puts so much time and emotion into the team and you can see that by the way he plays.

"We're definitely going to miss him. He's been really upset this week and that just shows what the team means to him.

"There are definitely boys playing for him, as extra emotion and motivation.

"There are plenty of motivations already of course, but that certainly adds to it, and it's quite high up on the priorities.

"No one wants to miss the big occasion, that's what everyone works towards. But that's just rugby unfortunately, that's just how the game works."