Team news: Exeter name Chiefs side to host Royal Navy friendly
Published on: 07/04/2026
An Exeter Chiefs XV side take on the Royal Navy in a friendly at Sandy Park on Wednesday evening as tighthead prop Ehren Painter makes his long-anticipated return to action.
The front-rower suffered a torn ACL in a training session in December 2024 and has rehabbed the injury diligently to take to the field this week for the first time in 15 months.
He joins a handful of first-teamers in featuring in the friendly match which aims to help the Royal Navy prepare for their upcoming inter-services matches. Lewis Pearson captains the side which is flooded with young talent from the Chiefs’ player pathway.
Marc Dibble, assistant academy manager, said: “The game presents a great opportunity for everyone involved. We’ve put together a squad with a strong blend of experience and youth, which creates a really exciting dynamic.
“It’s a great challenge for the experienced players, who will be looking to impress in front of the senior coaches, as well as for the academy players, some of whom will be playing at Sandy Park for the first time. That’s a fantastic experience for the lads.
“Pulling on a full Chiefs jersey for the first time is incredibly special, and it’s something that will be invaluable in accelerating the players’ development. We want them to go out, express themselves, and play with smiles on their faces.
“This fixture has become an annual event, so we’re fully aware of the challenge the Navy squad will bring. They are always well-drilled, physical, and will be aiming to put in a strong performance ahead of their inter-services games.”
The game will be livestreamed on the Exeter Chiefs YouTube channel here.
Max Norey, Ben Hammersley and Martin Moloney provide experience to the starting XV alongside Painter and Pearson. While scrum-half Orson James is recalled from his loan to Cornish Pirates to start the fixture.
Featured players of the Chiefs academy system, brothers Jack and Will McIntosh will both feature, as will Chiefs U18s’ captain Mawgan Talling.
The game kicks off at 19:30 in Devon with match tickets available on our website here.
Exeter Chiefs:
15 Will McIntosh
14 Kian Gentry
13 Ben Hammersley
12 Dave Fisilau
11 Troy Jackson
10 Will Lane
9 Orson James
1 James Burgoyne
2 Max Norey
3 Ehren Painter
4 Lewis Pearson
5 Oscar Beckerleg
6 Martin Moloney
7 Oisin Smith
8 Alfie Johns
Replacements:
16 Gabe Mead
17 Mawgan Talling
18 Matt Boothby
19 Marlon Farouk-Roy
20 Libhongo Siviwe Mazwana
21 Alex Brennan
22 Alex Evans
23 Israel Akinrowo
24 Brandon Mua
25 Jack McIntosh
Written By:
Exeter Chiefs Rugby Club
