Sio eyes Premiership title farewell as Feyi-Waboso returns for Exeter against Leicester

Scott Sio is dreaming of a trophy-laden send-off at Twickenham before he leaves Exeter Chiefs for Cardiff this summer, with the loosehead prop describing a Gallagher Premiership title as a ‘fairy tale finish’ to his four years in Devon. The 34-year-old, who has represented both Australia and Samoa at Test level, departs at the end of the season as the Chiefs battled to comply with EQP salary regulations.

Exeter head into Sunday’s trip to Welford Road to face Leicester Tigers sitting three points clear of fifth-place Saracens, whom they host in the final round of regular-season fixtures next Saturday. A top-four finish — which would secure a Twickenham semi-final place — would be the club’s first in five years.

“As a player, that’s a fairy tale finish. You always want to achieve great things at clubs and win trophies,” Sio said. “I’d be ecstatic if we could push forward and have a big win at Twickenham next month. I feel like this season everyone’s reacted well and put their best foot forward, and we have a chance to hopefully go all the way.”

Sio acknowledged the scale of last season’s struggles before praising the squad’s response in 2024-25. “Unfortunately, last season was probably one of the worst in the club’s history, but that’s character building, and it’s really about the reaction,” he said. “When I came over in October 2022 with an open mind to just improve as a player and a person — I definitely feel I’ve done that here.”

For Sunday’s match at Welford Road, Sio packs down in a front row alongside hooker Max Norey and tighthead Josh Iosefa-Scott. Leicester have not lost at home in the Premiership this season, making it a stern examination of Exeter’s top-four credentials.

There is a boost in the backs with Immanuel Feyi-Waboso reclaiming his starting spot on the wing, displacing Paul Brown-Bampoe to the bench. Back-rower Ethan Roots also returns to the starting XV, as does number eight Greg Fisilau, who has been sidelined for the past month. Ross Vintcent misses out through injury, while Zack Wimbush is set for his first league appearance of the campaign from the bench.