Baxter is in his second season as head coach of Exeter

Exeter Chiefs head coach Rob Baxter has said the threat of relegation has diminished at Sandy Park.

The Chiefs are ninth in the Premiership on 31 points, and closer to the top four than basement club Leeds.

Baxter told BBC Devon: "If you're a club that's up for the first time when you win a game you look and see how that gap's opened up to the bottom.

"You never really look at the top, but I think with our league position we're exactly where we'd like to be."

He continued: "We've won enough games and gathered enough points and that's ultimately what has kept some of the major pressure off us and really allowed us to keep developing through the season."

Having won promotion from the Championship via the end of season play-offs last May, the Chiefs have proved a surprise package in English rugby's top flight, winning seven of their 14 matches.

"I think it's nice that we're under a little bit of different pressure now," continued Baxter.

"If I was a supporter turning up on Saturday night here (against Bath), I'd expect to see Exeter doing very well.

"That's what happens when you play well, supporters start to think they're going to see home wins every week."

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