Rob Baxter, the head coach of Exeter Chiefs, has raised concerns about the current Premiership schedule, which he has described as ‘absolute madness’. Baxter’s comments come in the wake of his team’s recent 58-26 victory over Harlequins at Sandy Park, in which Exeter pulled away in the second half after being tied 21-21 at halftime.
Baxter specifically highlighted the six-day turnaround that Harlequins had to endure between their European Champions Cup semi-final loss at Toulouse and their subsequent match against Exeter. He expressed his concern about the demanding schedule that English teams face in European competition, and the subsequent impact it has on their domestic league fixtures.
In an interview with BBC Radio Devon, Baxter emphasized the challenges that teams encounter with such tight turnarounds, stating, “It’s just madness, it’s just absolute madness what we do.” He also pointed out the personal experience of his team, having suffered a 26-14 loss at home to Bath following a similar six-day turnaround from their quarter-final loss at Toulouse last month.
The win against Harlequins has placed Exeter in fifth position in the Premiership table, level on points with their opponents from the recent game. With the race for a play-off place still wide open, Exeter’s upcoming fixture against Leicester will be crucial in determining their final standing in the league.
Baxter expressed his enthusiasm for the exciting conclusion to the season, stating, “This is all I could ask for… to go into the last week with something worth fighting for is going to be amazing.” He also emphasized the significance of the team’s performance at this stage of the season, hoping that they can secure a place in the top four and do themselves proud.
As the competition in the Premiership intensifies, the controversy surrounding the league’s scheduling policies has become increasingly prominent. Baxter’s criticisms underscore the need for a re-evaluation of the calendar to ensure that teams have adequate time for recovery and preparation between fixtures.
The upcoming matches for Exeter, Harlequins, and other contenders for the top four spots promise to be an engrossing conclusion to what has been an eventful season. The final week of the Premiership will undoubtedly bring with it a sense of anticipation and excitement for fans and teams alike.
The Premiership calendar dispute serves as a reminder of the complex dynamics that underpin professional rugby, and the importance of balancing the demands of domestic and European competitions. The outcome of this debate will have far-reaching implications for the future of the sport.