Exeter will always 'be part of my DNA' - Pellow

Ricky Pellow says Exeter will "be part of my DNA" after the long-serving coach was involved in his final game for the club.

The 47-year-old skills coach has been part of Exeter's staff for 16 years.

The Chiefs' 22-17 Prem Rugby Cup win over Bristol proved Pellow's swansong as he leaves the club, with players hoisting the Cornishman onto their shoulders as he left the field.

"One of my highlight moments in terms of just having pretty much the whole of Cornwall here," Pellow told BBC Radio Devon.

"I felt a bit stupid when they put me on their shoulders but that's probably just me as a person.

"I'd just like thank everyone that's supported me along the way and has been there, supporters, players, staff.

"It's been one hell of a ride and it's time for me to go on a bit of a different journey with my family.

"I'm Cornish and I'm proud and it doesn't matter where I live I'll always be Cornish, and the same here with the Chiefs, wherever I end up I'll always be a Chief.

"Sixteen-plus years, but not just those years but when I was in the Academy down in Truro it's a long time of anyone's life and I've loved every minute of it and it'll be part of my DNA and part of my family's DNA moving forward."

Pellow has been instrumental in the development of some of Exeter's best homegrown stars such as Henry Slade and Jack Nowell.

The former Worcester, Cornish Pirates and Bath player was the last member of director of rugby Rob Baxter's coaching team that helped the club win promotion to the Premiership in 2010.

Pellow helped guide Exeter to two Premiership titles and the 2020 European Champions Cup, and took charge of their cup side.

His final game saw a young Exeter side score three tries as a number of homegrown players impressed.

"Today wasn't necessary about me leaving and what it was to me," he added.

"It was about that group of players winning and getting themselves back into contention in the group

"The club have got a massive game now going back into Sale, we're in a good place, a lot of guys have got game time and have played in this block, which I think is massively important for the squad moving forward.

"I'm just so pleased with the boys and it gives us something tangible in that Prem Cup when we come back into the block moving forward."