Centurion Hayes to return to Sandy Park for 20th Anniversary Dinner

Exeter Chiefs centurion Tommy Hayes will return to Sandy Park for September’s 20th Anniversary Dinner more than a decade on from helping the club achieve promotion.

A key cog in the squad which achieved the ecstasy of promotion to the then Aviva Premiership with a two-legged play-off victory over Bristol, Hayes retired in 2013 but is looking forward to returning to old stomping grounds.

Having spent two years at Munster with brother John, the back-five forward made the move to Chiefs in 2008 and became a club stalwart over the next five years. Handed the Chiefs captaincy on a number of occasions, Hayes was inducted onto the club centurions board in April 2012.

Unfortunately, a back injury forced him to miss a large chunk of games before the forward was ultimately forced to retire partway through the 2013 season after 136 appearances.

However, the Irishman will undoubtably arrive with copious stories of European away days, the claiming of Championship glory and the bond that forges a successful Chiefs side.

The evening will centre around fond reminiscing of all the years Chiefs have been able to call Sandy Park home. Compered by former player and Sandy Park’s event partner Chris Bentley, the celebration will include appearances from the likes of Dean Mumm, Ian Whitten and Brett Sturgess as well as current Chiefs players and director of rugby Rob Baxter.

Guests will also be treated to a five-course meal carefully prepared by in-house, award-winning chef Craig Beacham.

Tickets start at £130 or from £1,250 for a table of 10. Please contact head of business development and partnerships Emily Jackson at sp20@sandypark.co.uk for more details.