Chiefs stars arrive home from World Cup

By Mark Stevens
4/11/19

England’s Rugby World Cup squad were met with a huge round of applause and cheers as they landed back in the country following their exploits in Japan.

Exeter Chiefs trio Luke Cowan-Dickie, Jack Nowell and Henry Slade touched down at Heathrow Airport today, just two days after Eddie Jones’ side missed out on lifting the William Webb Ellis trophy to South Africa.

The Springboks claimed their third World Cup crown after defeating England 32-12 in Saturday’s showpiece event in Yokohama.

Holiday-makers had gathered at the arrivals lounge in anticipation, along with British Airways staff and the waiting media, in order to show their appreciation.

Both Cowan-Dickie and Slade featured in Saturday’s final, but Nowell was only a spectator having had only limited game time during the tournament due to injury.

All three players are expected back at Sandy Park this week where they will be assessed by the club’s medical staff, after which it will be down to Rob Baxter to discuss when they will integrate back into first-team training with the Chiefs.

This Sunday the Chiefs are in Gallagher Premiership action when they play host to local rivals Bristol Bears in Round Four of the competition.