Exeter Chiefs step up preparations for their Premiership bow as they embark on two pre-season friendlies this weekend.

The Devon side take on European Challenge Cup champions Cardiff Blues on Saturday, before welcoming Cornish Pirates to Sandy Park a day later.

Head coach Rob Baxter said: "The two games represent our first competitive outings since we won promotion.

"The games against Cardiff and the Pirates are vital ingredients in terms of preparation for the new season."

He added: "As a club we deliberately looked for touch games as a team at about the intensity that will be required in the top flight."

Exeter squad for Cardiff: P Dollman; M Jess, B Rennie, M Foster, N Sestaret, G Steenson, H Thomas, B Sturgess, N Clark, H Tui, T Hayes (capt), J Hanks, C Slade, J Scaysbrook, J Phillips.
Replacements (from): B Moon, S Alcott, C Budgen, D Gannon, C Bentley, T Johnson, A Miller, G Cowley, R Davis, J Matavesi, P McKenzie, A Higgins.

Exeter squad for Cornish Pirates: L Arscott, C Walker-Blair, D Locke, J Matavesi, P McKenzie, R Davis, J Polu, R Murphy, C Whitehead, I Elosu, C Bentley, D Gannon, H Stupple, A Miller, D Ewers.
Replacements (from): J Andrew, J Vickers, B Moon, C Budgen, O Marriott, M Canty, G Cowley, H Slade, C Reakes, E Grace, J Fleming.

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