Exeter Chiefs Restore Tom Hooper For Newcastle Red Bulls Clash

Exeter Chiefs restored Wallabies back-rower Tom Hooper to their squad on October 11, 2026, for the Gallagher PREM clash with Newcastle Red Bulls at Sandy Park as the club searched for its first win of the season after returning from international duty.

According to Exeter Chiefs and RugbyPass, Hooper was named among the replacements after flying back to the UK earlier in the week. The 24-cap Australia forward made more than 20 appearances in his debut Chiefs season and started the 2026 PREM Final.

The Chiefs made one change to their starting pack, with Italy international Ross Vintcent moving into the openside flanker role while Wales international Kane James dropped to the bench. Sam Harris also replaced injured full-back Olly Woodburn.

Rob Baxter, Exeter Chiefs director of rugby, highlighted the challenge posed by Newcastle Red Bulls after reviewing their previous match against Leicester Tigers.

"Watching Newcastle’s game against Leicester [Tigers], they’re clearly a very dangerous side. They’ve got some real strength and quality individuals in there, while they’re still learning a little how to come together as a team. We’ve got to just decide to be very good.

I thought we were much improved against Bath in a lot of areas. We’ve got to look for the same improvement again this week and look to move forward now after a long training week." said Rob Baxter, director of rugby.

Baxter also assessed Exeter’s early-season position after taking two points from the trip to Bath, following a previous home defeat that made their start more difficult.

"Two points at Bath was a decent return. In most seasons, but especially the most recent few, that’s a good return from going to The Rec. Only collecting one point the week before in a home game makes things a little more challenging, but if we can get a win and have seven or eight points from three weeks in, then things start to look back on track." said Rob Baxter, director of rugby.

Exeter’s lineup retained Stephen Varney and Harvey Skinner as the half-back pairing, while Immanuel Feyi-Waboso joined Tommy Wyatt on the wing. Will Butt and Henry Slade started in the centers.

Newcastle Red Bulls arrived at Sandy Park with their own changes, including Christian Wade, Hoskins Sotutu and Tom Christie among the named starters. Both teams entered the fixture looking for their first victory of the season.