Sandy Park to host first men's England A fixture since 2012 during Six Nations

Sandy Park will host England A’s Six Nations-week fixture against an Ireland XV on 20 February 2027, the RFU and Exeter Chiefs have confirmed — the venue’s first men’s England A match since the England Saxons defeated the Irish Wolfhounds 23-17 there in 2012.

Mark Mapletoft’s side will travel to Devon during the 2027 Guinness Six Nations window, with the game scheduled a week before England A face Chile at Kingsholm in Gloucester. The Saxons had also used the ground in 2007, beating Italy A 34-5, but the stadium has since become more closely associated with England Women’s fixtures.

England A was re-established in 2024, and several Exeter players have already represented the side over the past two seasons, among them Ethan Roots, Greg Fisilau and Will Butt. Rob Baxter, Exeter’s director of rugby, sees the fixture as a timely opportunity for those players on the fringes of the international set-up.

“I’m delighted Sandy Park has been chosen as the host venue for this match,” Baxter said. “Rugby is thriving in the South West and it is testament to our set-up here that England’s representative side will follow the women’s Rugby World Cup and the Red Roses in hosting matches here. It also provides a prime opportunity for our players on the outskirts of the international set-up to put up their hands for selection with impressive performances in our league and European fixtures in the lead-up to the early 2027 international block.”

Mapletoft echoed the enthusiasm, describing Sandy Park as a venue that will give his squad a meaningful taste of a high-quality rugby environment. “We’re really looking forward to playing at Sandy Park, which is a fantastic venue for our players to experience,” he said. “It’s an opportunity for the group to perform in a great rugby environment and embrace everything that comes with the occasion.”

Tickets go on general sale on 6 September at 12pm, with a priority window already open for Exeter Chiefs season members. Adult tickets start at £18, with under-16 tickets priced from £5.