Bentley signs deal as official events partner

Twenty-two years after joining Exeter Chiefs as a player, Chris Bentley has signed up as the club’s official events partner.

After he retired from the game, Bentley joined the commercial team at Sandy Park before setting up his own business, NOTWORKING NETWORKING.

In what is a first of its kind, the former second rower has committed to fulfil a full calendar of events at the club to help create a six-figure revenue on an annual basis.

Bentley said: “With a hugely exciting chapter for the club unfolding around potential new investment, I think it’s also a heartening full circle moment to see an old boy come back into the fold.

“I’ve always loved the motto of the club and the city of ‘semper fidelis’, which many people will know means ‘always faithful’. As my business interests have grown, I’m delighted to keep the faith with Chiefs.”

Bentley has already hosted sporting dinners featuring England rugby greats James Haskell and Lawrence Dallaglio at Sandy Park. He also chose the venue to host THE NOTTY business awards and the region’s premier marketing conference, Building Brands, which both attracted more than 400 guests.

He added: “Having been away from the club for a few years, I’ve always been keen to pay back the support I had during my playing days.”

At 6ft 6ins and 19 stone, Bentley will be bringing his inimitable presenting skills to the End of Season Dinner for the seventh time next month and will also be working closely with the club to formalise a past players’ legends group to host matchday lounges next season.

Club chairman and CEO Tony Rowe CBE said: “Chris will be the first to admit he was a solid journeyman of a player but was always 100% in his effort. I’m delighted to see him continue his association with the club and hope he becomes a beacon that encourages more of our past players to engage with Exeter Chiefs as they enter the second stages of their working lives.”