Walder Joins Chiefs Coaching Staff

Exeter Chiefs can confirm that England U20 attack coach Dave Walder will join the club as an assistant to the coaching team with immediate effect.

Walder joins the club during a time of reset and rebuild at Chiefs following a disappointing 2024/25 season.

“I’m really excited to have the opportunity to come down to the Chiefs to work with a really talented group of players as well as a young, dynamic coaching group,” Walder said.

“I can’t wait to get started; I’m looking forward to working with this squad. It’s obviously been a really tough year for them results-wise, but the green shoots of growth are there, so I’m excited to work with the group moving forward.

“It’ll be good to get them playing attacking rugby, scoring some tries and helping to get Chiefs back to where they belong, which is at the top competing for trophies.”

The 46-year-old former player was a centurion as a player for Newcastle Falcons before returning to become a coach in 2014. Walder held the head coach role with Falcons for eight years and will bring a vast amount of experience to his new Chiefs role.

More recently, Walder was also a part of the Bristol Bears set-up as senior backs and skills coach.

“We’re delighted that Dave has decided to join the club and it’s particularly good news that he’s been able to start immediately to help oversee this weekend’s game,” Chiefs Director of Rugby, Rob Baxter said.

“I’ve known Dave a long time, and I really appreciate the work he put in for a lengthy period at Newcastle. I thought he did a fantastic job there with relatively limited resources. He always brought out the best in the group that he had working with him.

“More recently, he’s been working with some of our England U20 players, and those guys have only had positive things to say about him.

“It’s fantastic for us to have someone of his experience and capabilities joining us. Hopefully he’ll take us forward with our attacking game and how we want our backs to play. With him coming on board, we’re really looking forward to getting on with the remainder of the season.”

Walder joins fellow former England U20 coach Haydn Thomas [defence coach] in the Chiefs coaching staff alongside Ross McMillan [assistant forwards coach] and Ricky Pellow [skills and development coach].