'Disconnect' between players and coaches - Rowe

There has been a "clear disconnect" between Exeter Chiefs players and coaching staff said the club chairman and chief executive Tony Rowe as he confirmed a review of the coaching team is under way at the club.

Exeter suspended head coach Rob Hunter and attack coach Ali Hepher on Sunday following the team's record 79-17 loss to Gloucester.

Rowe confirmed director of rugby Rob Baxter will return to a day-to-day coaching role, taking charge of training and matchday sessions.

"There has been a clear disconnect between the playing squad and the coaching staff and it is something we simply cannot allow to continue," Rowe said in a statement.

"Exeter Rugby Club is built on togetherness, hard work and shared standards, and right now, those foundations need reinforcing."

Exeter are currently second bottom of the Premiership and have won only three of their 12 league games this season.

Hepher was demoted as head coach in March following a string of poor results, with Hunter promoted in his place.

And while there was a win during Hepher's short tenure against Newcastle and a close run with league leaders Bath, the 13 tries conceded against the Cherry and Whites marked another low for the club.

They also lost all of their Champions Cup matches this season, including a European record loss of 69-17 to Bordeaux.

"Rob is the right person to bring everyone back on to the same page to ensure that every player and coach is working towards the same goals. His understanding of what it takes to build a winning culture, foster unity and develop players to their full potential is unrivalled in the club's history," Rowe said.

"This is about more than just responding to results.

"It's about re-establishing who we are and where we're going. We've faced challenges before and each time we've come back stronger.

"With Rob playing a more active coaching role again, we are confident this is the first step in writing the next successful chapter of the Exeter Chiefs story."