Armand vows Chiefs will return stronger

By Harry Scott-Munro
29/6/21

Don Armand admitted he was left “gutted” after Exeter Chiefs were undone at the death in their bid to secure back-to-back Gallagher Premiership title wins.

In a thrilling finale to the 2020/21 season, it was Harlequins who struck twice late on through winger Louis Lynagh to deny the Devonians at Twickenham.

It capped a remarkable reversal of fortunes for the Londoners, who back in January appeared to be down in the doldrums following the exit of former head coach Paul Gustard.

Their response, however, has been mightily impressive and in a memorable final outing, they were able to squeeze past the Chiefs 40-38.

An early penalty try set them on their way, before further first half scores from Wilco Louw and Andre Esterhuizen helped put them in front 19-14 at the break, this after the Chiefs had countered with converted scores of their own from Jonny Gray and Alec Hepburn.

Harlequins extended their lead early in the second half through Andre Esterhuizen, before Rob Baxter’s side rallied with quick-fire scores from Sam Simmonds and Ollie Devoto.

Skipper Joe Simmonds - who would end the day with 13 points - added to Exeter’s lead with a penalty, before Harlequins struck twice through Lynagh in the final ten minutes.

Even then there was still time for the Chiefs to score again, this time through replacement Stuart Hogg, but with the clock against them it was Harlequins who were able to see out the final two minutes, Danny Care firing the ball into the crowd to seal a remarkable victory.

For the Chiefs, double winners last season, it was a bitter pill to swallow and long-serving forward Armand was quick to outline the disappointment that was felt within the camp.

“Right now, it’s gutting,” he said. “That’s rugby, though. “Sometimes we’re the ones turning over the favourites and sometimes we’re the ones getting turned over. That’s what makes the sport so exciting and why I love playing it.”

In what has been another strong season for Baxter’s side, despite ultimately coming up just short at HQ, Armand admitted that “everything gets judged on one result,” but wouldn’t let that get in the way of his pride at what the entire squad have achieved.

“I’m so proud of where this club is going,” added Armand. “The guys that played today, the non-matchday 23 who have been absolutely amazing at driving everyone on, as a squad we’re in a really good place.

“I wish we’d won to top that off and reward everyone for their emotion and hard work. However, we keep saying that we will learn from it, so hopefully we can.”

It has been a season that, for the most part, has been played in the cacophonous echo of empty stadia and Armand made sure to highlight the impact that returning fans have had on the game.

He said: “These are the kinds of things we’ll remember more than most, we’ve realised how dead everything is without crowds. To be here representing [the club] and where we are now, everyone is proud of what we have done.”

And despite the heartache of such an agonising defeat, Armand made sure to remind all those who follow Chiefs of just how far the club has come, thanking them for their support of the club in all areas, both on and off the field.

“We would’ve liked to have won, but I want to speak on behalf of [the players] to our families and supporters to say that this is what we’re about, whether we win or lose. We’re proud of where we’re going as a community and as a team.”