Open training session draws a crowd at Sandy Park

More than 1,000 supporters packed into a sunny West Grandstand to enjoy the annual Exeter Chiefs open training session.

Young Chiefs fans, sponsors, partners, and season ticket holders flooded to Sandy Park to enjoy exclusive access for the day.

Sponsors and partners were invited to a networking event in the Chiefs Suite, before enjoying a Q&A session with players Richard Capstick and Kane James.

Meanwhile, season ticket holders and Future and Junior Chiefs got involved in River Dart Country Park’s rugby pass game, swapping trading cards with other fans, and filling up on tasty treats from Chiefs’ food vans.

A selection of Future Chiefs were also invited to eat lunch with the players having graduated to Paramount Chiefs level after attending eight games in the season.

The main event was the open training session on the main pitch ahead of tomorrow’s Gallagher PREM game against league leaders Northampton Saints, which included a Q&A session with director of rugby Rob Baxter.

Afterwards, fans lined up to collect the players’ signatures and take photos with their heroes.

Commercial director Catherine Hill, who joined the club at the start of the year, said: “It was my first opening training session, and it was great to see so many supporters here enjoying a few hours of additional access to Sandy Park. The sun shone and everyone seemed to have a good time, which is what everyone wants to see.”