Exeter Chiefs name side to face Bath

International stars return to Sandy Park for Sunday's sold-out derby

Thomas Francis, who helped Wales lift the Six Nations trophy earlier this month, is amongst the players returning to the Exeter Chiefs starting 15 having spent a number weeks on International duty. 

He'll be joined by Jack Nowell and Henry Slade - who also return to the South West after representing England in the Six Nations. 

It's been more than one month since the Chiefs last played a Premiership game at Sandy Park - and It's poised to be a highly anticipated encounter having completely sold-out. 

Speaking about the sold-out derby Exeter Chiefs director of rugby Rob Baxter says: “This weekend’s game marks a lot of things. “One, it marks the start of the last quarter of the season. Two, it’s the end of the Six Nations, so the international lads are back in focus with the clubs and three, it just feels like there is a bit of a change in the weather and that pitches are starting to firm up that little bit.

“For those reasons alone, that is why we need to put down a marker that we’re ready to go and start building on what have been some excellent foundations in the Premiership up to now."

Full side to face Bath:

15 Santiago Cordero 14 Jack Nowell 13 Henry Slade 12 Ollie Devoto 11 Olly Woodburn 10 Gareth Steenson 9 Nic White 1 Alec Hepburn 2 Jack Yeandle (capt) 3 Harry Williams 4 Dave Dennis 5 Jonny Hill 6 Dave Ewers 7 Don Armand 8 Matt Kvesic

16 Luke Cowan-Dickie 17 Billy Keast 18 Tomas Francis 19 Mitch Lees 20 Sam Skinner 21 Jack Maunder 22 Joe Simmonds 23 Sam Hill