The Exeter Chiefs delivered a stirring performance at Sandy Park on Sunday, December 28, 2025, dispatching the Leicester Tigers 24-10 in Round Eight of the Gallagher Premiership. This victory, fueled by the relentless energy of Greg Fisilau, rocketed the Chiefs into second place in the table, capping off a remarkable turnaround for a team that finished last season at the very bottom. The packed stands at Sandy Park were treated to a display that combined grit, flair, and a touch of drama—everything you’d want from a top-flight rugby clash.
From the opening whistle, Exeter looked determined to stamp their authority. Their early pressure paid dividends when Andrea Zambonin, showing both physicality and vision, disrupted Leicester’s scrum-half Tom Whiteley. This set up a series of probing attacks, culminating in Fisilau’s powerful surge from the 22-meter line for the opening try. It was a statement of intent from the England A number eight, who’s making a compelling case for inclusion in Steve Borthwick’s Six Nations squad.
The Chiefs’ forward pack, led by captain Dafydd Jenkins, Ethan Roots, and Tom Hooper, consistently made inroads, keeping Leicester pinned back and scrambling. In the 25th minute, Exeter’s ability to exploit wide channels came to the fore. Campbell Ridl, the young wing, was released down the left. He chipped ahead, chased, and—thanks to a friendly bounce—gathered the ball to finish a sensational solo effort. The crowd roared as Exeter moved 14-0 ahead, and the Tigers looked rattled.
But rugby seldom follows a script. Exeter appeared to have scored again through Harvey Skinner after a dazzling break, only for the try to be ruled out due to a push by Will Rigg on Izaia Perese. That moment proved pivotal. Instead of stretching their lead, the Chiefs saw the Tigers strike back almost immediately. Leicester’s Adam Radwan made a darting run, and after some slick interplay among the forwards, Cameron Henderson crashed over for a try. Suddenly, it was game on at Sandy Park.
Leicester’s head coach Geoff Parling was visibly animated on the sidelines, letting his players know the first half wasn’t up to scratch. As the second half began, the Tigers had the wind at their backs and a renewed sense of purpose. They pressed hard, but Exeter’s defense held firm. Immanuel Feyi-Waboso, though not heavily involved with ball in hand, made his presence felt with crucial off-the-ball work, including helping force a turnover in the corner.
Exeter’s Henry Slade, who had a quietly influential game, straightened the line beautifully to set up Ridl’s try and was reliable from the tee, slotting three conversions and a penalty. His efforts extended Exeter’s lead and kept Leicester at arm’s length. The match, however, was far from settled. Leicester’s Samuel Williams was shown a yellow card for a dangerous tackle on Slade, but the Chiefs couldn’t capitalize during the sin-bin period, despite some threatening attacks.
The physicality ramped up as both sides hunted for a decisive blow. When Williams returned, Leicester’s fly-half Billy Searle was sent to the bin for entering from the side—another setback for the visitors. Exeter, though, were guilty of letting chances slip; Skinner was denied a try by inches, and late in the match, both Will Goodrick-Clarke and another replacement dropped the ball over the line, squandering opportunities for the bonus-point try that would have sent Exeter to the Premiership summit.
It was only in the 72nd minute that the Chiefs finally put the game beyond doubt. Olly Woodburn soared to claim a high ball, sparking a counter-attack. Fisilau, ever-present in the thick of things, was involved again as the move swept upfield before Stephen Varney darted over for the clinching try. Varney’s performance at scrum-half has been a revelation for Exeter this season, his slick service and precise box-kicking providing the platform for the Chiefs’ resurgence.
Player ratings after the match underlined the impact of Exeter’s new core. Fisilau earned a 9 for his tireless work and game-changing contributions, while Skinner, once criticized for inconsistency, delivered two electric breaks and controlled the game with poise—earning high marks from pundits. Campbell Ridl’s solo try highlighted his promise, and Zambonin’s all-action display in the lineout and loose play was crucial. Even those who had quieter games, like Hooper and Roots, contributed to a collective effort that suffocated Leicester’s ambitions.
For Leicester, there were flashes of quality—Radwan’s incisive running and Henderson’s try chief among them—but they were ultimately undone by discipline issues and Exeter’s relentless pressure. The Tigers conceded a steady stream of penalties and struggled to maintain momentum, especially when reduced to 14 men. Head coach Geoff Parling’s frustration was clear, and his side now finds itself outside the playoff places as the new year approaches.
The officiating team, led by referee Anthony Woodthorpe with assistants Joe James and Simon Harding and TMO Dean Richards, had a busy afternoon, particularly with two yellow cards and a handful of contentious decisions. The packed house at Sandy Park, a far cry from the sparse crowds of last season, reveled in the Chiefs’ transformation. Rob Baxter’s men, once written off as also-rans, have lost just once in eight matches and now look every bit the title contenders.
Exeter’s starting lineup featured Olly Woodburn at fullback, Immanuel Feyi-Waboso and Campbell Ridl on the wings, and a midfield of Henry Slade and Will Rigg. Harvey Skinner ran the show at fly-half with Stephen Varney at scrum-half. Up front, Scott Sio, Joseph Dweba, and Bachuki Tchumbadze anchored the scrum, with Jenkins and Zambonin in the second row, and Hooper, Roots, and Fisilau completing the back row. The bench contributed energy, though Goodrick-Clarke’s dropped ball over the line will be one for the review room.
Leicester’s lineup included Freddie Steward at fullback, Adam Radwan and Ollie Hassell-Collins on the wings, with Izaia Perese and Solomone Kata in the centers. Searle and Whiteley formed the half-back pairing, and a formidable pack featured Smith, Blamire, Heyes, Henderson, Chessum, Moro, Reffell, and Cracknell. Their replacements tried to inject urgency late on but couldn’t turn the tide.
As the Chiefs head into 2026, the mood around Sandy Park is one of optimism and excitement. The bonus point may have eluded them, but the belief is back—and with Fisilau and company in this kind of form, who’s to say how far Exeter can go? For Leicester, the challenge is to regroup and rediscover the spark that made them contenders in seasons past. The Premiership campaign is heating up, and if this match is any indication, there are plenty more twists and turns to come.
