Donate your ticket refund and sponsor a Chief

Exeter Rugby's fundraising initiative

With premiership rugby not due to recommence until at least 15 August, it's been a tough time for all clubs, even a well-run profitable one such as Exeter Chiefs.

Now the club has come up with an idea to protect the income its already received from season ticket holders - and make them feel special. Anyone who chooses not to claim a refund for matches not seen can become a sponsor of a first team player.

Club chairman and chief executive Tony Rowe OBE says he has been overwhelmed by the support already shown by the club’s season ticket holders. “As I thought, the Chiefs family have shown their true colours during these tough and testing times for all of us,” he said. “Already our ticketing department have received many messages of support, including lots of responses that indicate that supporters are willing to gift the remaining funds from this year’s season ticket back to the club.

“With the club not having staged a fixture since the Bath game in March, plus Sandy Park itself being shut to all activities, it has meant our business has generated very little income, but at the same time many of our outgoings have remained the same.

“I won’t lie, it’s incredibly tough for all of us. Trying to find more than one million pounds a month is far from easy, so the support shown by our very loyal fanbase is incredible and it really is helping us getting through what is a very rocky road.”

Fans who donate  the remainder of their ticket to the club, as from next season will be listed as a player sponsor for one of Rob Baxter’s first-team squad. They will also have their names published on the club website and match-day programme, as well as seeing their names adorned on the match-day screens and inside one of the club’s bars.

Other options of crediting match tickets over to next season, whenever that may be, or claiming a full refund.