Ridl to miss majority of 2026/27 season

Exeter Chiefs winger Campbell Ridl is likely to miss the majority of the 2026/27 season having suffered an ACL injury against Scarlets in Chiefs’ first pre-season friendly.

The 21-year-old, who had a breakthrough season last year making 24 appearances in a campaign which culminated in a try-scoring performance in the Gallagher PREM Final, was removed from the pitch in the 23rd minute against the Welshmen a fortnight ago.

Chiefs director of rugby Rob Baxter said: “This is hugely disappointing for Campbell. He is a young man who has been so impressive for us over the last 12 months, so this is clearly a blow for him.

“However, the positives are that he can now spend some real time working on his overall physical attributes and also concentrate on finishing his studies to a high level.

“His return to play date is a still a little vague because until the surgery actually takes place, the full extent of the cartilage damage is always a little unclear.”

Full-back Tommy Wyatt, who recently returned from a 16-month injury lay-off, suffered a slight shoulder injury against Bristol Bears in the opening PREM Rugby Cup match at Sandy Park. However, following testing with the Chiefs medical team, he is expected to return to fitness in the next fortnight.

Also against Bristol, lock Lewis Pearson aggravated an old pec issue and is awaiting scan results to determine his return to play timeline with the Chiefs medical team.

Dafydd Jenkins and Max Norey have returned to full team training, while Nika Abuladze is being monitored by the Chiefs medical team for a calf issue.

Chiefs launch their Gallagher PREM campaign next Saturday afternoon [September 26, KO 15:05] against Gloucester Rugby at Sandy Park after a friendly away to Cardiff Rugby this Saturday, 19 September.