Wimbush relishing Cup life

Palming off four players on your way to the try-line is always going to capture attention. Young Chiefs back Zack Wimbush has done just that with some staggering performances in the PREM Rugby Cup this season.

Wimbush laughs off the likening to a flying Fijian carrying style, saying: “I’ve just always had quite big hands, I guess, so it’s relatively easy to hold the ball in one hand. It’s not a conscious effort; it’s just that sometimes if you hold it in one hand it enables you to get the offload off. I always aim to go in with two hands but with one, you can hand-off a tackler or offload, that’s the only reason I do it.”

It has been quite the start to 2026 for Wimbush. Having spent time on loan in National League One to Plymouth Albion and a short spurt with Champ Rugby side Cornish Pirates, he earned a recall to the Chiefs squad.

He’s featured in three of the most recent four pool matches, most impressively scoring a try brace against Bath Rugby at home. Thus, media attention has began to ramp up for the 22-year-old.

He said: “It’s a bit weird if I’m honest. I came from being on loan to Plymouth or Pirates to being thrown back in here which is pretty different. I learned to play with a lot more confidence while I was with Pirates. I think it inspired me to enjoy my rugby more because I was having so much fun down there."

Ahead of last weekend's semi-final, Wimbush said: “I’m really excited for this weekend’s game and knowing that a result would give us a real chance to try to win something, to win silverware.”

Wimbush’s original debut came in a PREM Cup match in 2022 before he enjoyed a stellar season in 2023/24, including featuring in Chiefs’ Investec Champions Cup quarter-final bout with French juggernauts, Toulouse.

However, his 2024/25 season was plagued with injury woes, so the centre had to bide his time to return to Chiefs colours.

He said: “I didn’t have a great year last year due to injuries, so I came into this season wanting to try to get back into the match 23 picture. I knew I wasn’t going to be starting, but I wanted to have some involvement in the side.

“That didn’t happen straight away this season, so I’ve had to go on loan but coming back for the PREM Cup, I’m hoping I can develop from here.”

He is prime position to be developing alongside fellow athletic, try-scoring back-line players the likes of Campbell Ridl, Ollie Batson and Paul Brown-Bampoe. The trio have firmly been making their name in Chiefs’ three competitions this year. Does it make Wimbush’s life easier taking to the field by their side?

Wimbush said: “I’d say it makes things a little easier in that, I’ve played more with those boys, so I know a little more of what they’re all about.

“I played with Campbell at university, and I’ve played quite a bit with Paul so I know what he’s good at and what he can do.

“For example, with Campbell I know he’s always going to step and beat that first defender, so I can be on his inside ready for the ball. Things like that makes playing together easier."

He added: "However, the fans here, cheering us on, helps a lot in those tough moments, so it’s always exciting to play at Sandy Park.

“I think this group is very special to be a part of. Everyone is close, they’re friends on and off the field, which makes it enjoyable to all play together. I’m excited to see how far we can go.”

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