Exeter Chiefs surge to second in the Premiership as momentum builds
Exeter’s February fixture against Leicester was more than a routine win. It was a statement that Greg Fisilau’s early influence paired with a collective grit could change the trajectory of a season that once looked grim. With a decisive 80 minutes of high-intensity rugby, the Chiefs cemented a position second in the Premiership table as 2026 approaches, a far cry from the year prior when relegation fears loomed large.
Fisilau’s impact: precision, pace, and leadership
From the opening whistle, Fisilau set the tone. His burst through traffic, accurate passes, and defensive resolve helped Exeter impose their game plan and disrupt Leicester’s rhythm. While rugby is a team sport, the impact of a single influential performance can ripple through the squad. Fisilau’s offload under pressure and his readiness to spearhead counter-attacks illustrated a leadership style that has become essential for the Chiefs this season. For a squad rebuilding confidence, such moments matter as much as tries.
Exeter’s tactical execution under pressure
The Exeter system – patient breakdown work, quick rucks, and timely kicking when necessary – appeared sharper than in the campaign’s tougher stretches. The home crowd sensed it, and the players fed off the energy. Defensively, the line speed was disciplined, and the contact area was won more often than it lost. Offensively, the backline looked more composed, with well-timed passes and space creation that forced Leicester into uncomfortable decisions. It wasn’t a flawless performance, but the direction was clear: the Chiefs are building a coherent attacking and defensive balance that can carry them through a demanding run-in.
Momentum heading into 2026: a fresh narrative
Beating a historic rival and climbing to the Premiership’s mid-table summit changes the narrative around Exeter. Last season’s struggles are fading into the rearview as momentum gathers. The team now carries a credible belief that they can compete for silverware should their form hold. For supporters, the optimism is not about overnight miracles but about sustained improvement, incremental gains, and a clear strategy that aligns player development with on-field results.
Leicester’s response and what lies ahead
Leicester remains a formidable opponent in the Premiership, capable of turning matches with moments of quality. The defeat will prompt evaluation in their camp, but it also highlights the level Exeter must maintain to remain in the contention zone. The league is tight, and a handful of good performances could flip the table in the coming weeks. For Exeter, the challenge is to keep the forward push consistent: maintain their defence’s discipline, keep the attacking tempo high, and manage player workload as the calendar moves toward the business end of the season.
Looking forward: what this means for the season
As Exeter look toward the remainder of the campaign, there is a tangible sense that the club is on the right path. The second-place position is not a destination, but a platform. The blend of a rising squad, experienced leadership, and a growing belief in their system can turn potential into progression. If this trajectory continues, Exeter could not only secure a favorable league finish but also demonstrate that they are a genuine challenger when the stakes intensify in the final rounds of the Premiership.
Key takeaway
Greg Fisilau’s leadership and Exeter’s sharpened game plan suggest a turning point. The Chiefs have laid down a marker that they intend to be part of the late-season conversation, with momentum that could shape their 2026 ambitions.
