Hayes returns to the Chiefs
By Mark Stevens
7/7/21
Former Exeter Chiefs captain Tom Hayes says he is relishing being back at Sandy Park after re-joining the club in a new coaching role.
The popular Irishman is back on Devon soil for the first time in eight years, taking on the post of Assistant Coach to the Exeter Chiefs Women’s team.
Working alongside Head Coach, Susie Appleby, the 41-year-old will be looking to build on the solid foundations created last season by the newly-formed Chiefs Women, who finished their inaugural season in the Allianz Premier 15s in sixth place.
During a distinguished playing career with the Chiefs, Hayes – who joined the club in 2008, amassed 136 appearances for the club – and was the man who skippered the team out of the Championship and into the Premiership for the first time in 2010.
His appointment this week is seen as a major boost to the Chiefs Women and Appleby, who has heralded the addition of Hayes to her team as ‘massive’.
“I think we’re all really excited that Tom has come on board,” said Appleby. “Obviously, he already has a great understanding of the Chiefs and all that the club stands for, which is a massive advantage when coming into a new system – even though it’s not that new for him.
“He’s only been here a few days, but already you can see that he will add a lot to our structure. Having him come in and offer that different voice, it’s just great, because not only does he offer different ideas and different thinking, but he’s bringing his own knowledge and experience into the group.
“When speaking to Rob [Baxter] about him, he assured me that Tom has a real attention to detail and that’s something I know our girls will really benefit from. Having his experience, his leadership and his all-round knowledge will be invaluable and it will allow us to not only build on what we created last season, but really push forward again this season.”
Hayes himself is delighted to be back in familiar surroundings and is relishing the role he will have with the women’s team, as well as working in parts with the club’s academy set-up and that of the University of Exeter.
“It’s good to be back,” said Hayes, who since retiring from playing has coaches at both Shannon and UL Bohemians back in Ireland.
“Rob and I have been talking for a while now about carving out a role for me here at the club. Coming back, not a great deal has changed about the place, but I guess certain things have moved on in much the same manner as the Chiefs have progressed.
“Obviously, the women’s team is a new addition since I left, but you have to credit them for what they’ve achieved already in very difficult circumstances. It’s a fantastic achievement to do what they have, but now we have to launch off the base they laid down last year
“Already I can see the standard is very good and that everyone is committed to the cause. We’re still waiting on one or two of the internationals to come back over, but there is a clear level of application from everyone and that’s all you can ask for.”
Having honed his fledgling coaching skills back home in Ireland, Hayes makes no secret of the fact that he will be looking to add to his experience, working closely not only with Appleby, but also alongside the likes of Baxter, Ali Hepher, Rob Hunter, Julian Salvi and former team-mates Gareth Steenson and Haydn Thomas.
“It’s a good brains’ trust to be fair,” he added. “Working closely as a group is key to any success, so why wouldn’t you want to tap into their knowledge and their experience.”
It’s a view shared by Appleby, who spent the tail end of last season keeping a close eye on the men’s set-up, looking to dig out a few hidden gems to take into her own side’s plan.
“It was brilliant, yet eye-opening in a way,” she said. “It was good to see behind the scenes and the whole dynamics of how the coaches work. It’s not like we are going to go out and copy everything the men do, but there are certain things that clearly work for them, so why not use those things to our benefit.
“What I want for us – and that includes Tom’s involvement – is to maximise all of our opportunities. I want us to add things to our game that keep moving us forward, whilst at the same time keep the opposition guessing. Last season we were the new kids on the block, but now we’re not and we’ve definitely got the respect of our opposition.
“Our aim this season is to be shooting for the top, because I know what we are capable of achieving, and so too do the girls. Now, it’s up to all of us to go out and go for it!”