Tony Rowe: Exeter Chiefs chairman targets new investment as club posts £10.3m loss

Exeter chiefs chairman Tony Rowe is pinning his hopes on finding new investment as the club grapples with a £10.3m loss, according to recent financial reports.

Rowe has stated that without additional capital, Exeter Rugby Group faces significant challenges in repaying debts accumulated during the Covid-19 pandemic. The company recently recorded pre-tax losses of just over £3 million, an increase of more than £2.5 million on last year's figure.

Despite these struggles, Rowe remains optimistic about the club's future prospects. He believes that a new franchise model for English rugby's top flight will attract fresh investment and interest in Exeter Chiefs.

The 77-year-old businessman, who has been at the helm of Sandy Park since 1998, acknowledges his own role in securing financing over the years through his business interests. However, he now suggests it is time for someone else to take up the reins.

Rowe expressed confidence that within two to three years Exeter will return to prominence, potentially even reaching Twickenham Stadium again. The former businessman emphasized the need for financial backing as the club navigates this critical period, indicating plans to engage with potential investors in the coming months.

can u believe they're like 2-3 yrs away from being a top team thinkin it's gonna take that long tho... £10.3m loss is crazy anyway gotta give credit to Rowe for stayin positive & tryin to bring in new investors, that's the first step right? but what if they can't find anyone willing to take a chance on them maybe they should think outside the box or somethin

I'm worried about what's gonna happen to Exeter Chiefs . They've been through some tough times and it's not just about having enough cash to pay bills, it's about keeping the team competitive . Rowe thinks a new franchise model will bring in fresh investors, but what if nobody wants to touch them with a barge pole? It's a big risk taking on debt during Covid-19 and now they're struggling to keep up. I wish them luck, but it's gonna be tough for the fans to see their team go through this .

I feel bad for Tony Rowe, he's been at it for so long and now they're struggling... Still, I think a new franchise model could be a great thing, it'll bring in some fresh blood and help them get back on their feet. We've seen how other teams have done it, like the Warriors in Leeds, they got a new owner and suddenly they were playing with some big-name players... It's not gonna be easy for Exeter, but I think they can do it if they find someone to back 'em up financially. And Rowe, he's been doing this for ages, I'm sure he'll stick around till the club gets sorted out...

This £10.3m loss is crazy! I feel bad for the owners and staff of Exeter Rugby Group - Covid-19 really hit them hard . But you know what's even crazier? A new franchise model for English rugby's top flight could actually attract some fresh cash . It's like they're looking at this massive financial hole as an opportunity to turn it around .

I've got to ask, though - how do we know that a new investment will come through? It's one thing to say you need money, but another to actually deliver . Still, I'm keeping my fingers crossed for Exeter Chiefs - they're an amazing team with a huge following . If anyone can turn things around, it's them!

I'm thinking... £10.3m loss is huge! You gotta wonder how Exeter Chiefs got themselves into this mess. I mean, 2.5 million more losses than last year? That's not just a drop in fortune, that's like taking two steps back . And the old boss thinks a new franchise model will fix it all? I'm not so sure... It sounds like they're relying on some magic formula to attract new investors. What if nobody bites? What then?

I guess Rowe has done his best to keep the club afloat, but now it's time for someone else to step up and take the reins. Or should I say, the cheque book? At least he's planning ahead, reaching out to investors in the coming months. Fingers crossed they find some fresh blood...

I'm not sure how much longer I can keep up with these high-profile rugby teams and their financial struggles . £10.3m loss is a big number and it's not like they're getting any younger (78 years old, yikes! ). But hey, someone's gotta bring in the cash for Sandy Park, right? And who knows, maybe this new franchise model will be the magic ticket they need to get back on top. Can't help but think Exeter is due for a comeback and I'm excited to see how it all plays out

OMG I'm so curious about Tony Rowe's plan ! £10.3m loss is a big deal, but he thinks a new franchise model will attract fresh cash ? That sounds like a solid strategy to me ! What do you think, is it gonna work out for Exeter Chiefs?

still can't believe how much debt rugby clubs like exeter chiefs have accumulated £10.3m loss is crazy... they must really be struggling to make ends meet anyway, i think a new franchise model could bring in some fresh cash and help them get back on track Rowe seems like a good bloke tho, been at the helm since 1998... that's dedication fingers crossed for exeter chiefs, hope they can turn things around soon

I just can't help but feel bad for the Exeter Chiefs fans . £10.3m loss is a huge amount, and it's not like they're just facing a small financial setback - it's a full-blown crisis! But you know what's even more worrying? The fact that their chairman, Tony Rowe, is hoping to bring in new investors to save the club . I mean, I get it, the franchise model might attract some fresh cash, but what about the existing fans who are already struggling to keep up with their season tickets? It feels like they're being left behind . Can't Tony Rowe just find a way to make the club more sustainable without having to rely on new investors all the time? I guess only time will tell...

OMG I was watching that rugby game last week and Exeter Chiefs were so good ! But anyway I'm kinda worried about this £10.3m loss thingy... I mean I get it they had some financial struggles during Covid but £10.3m is a lot of money like, have they thought of selling more jerseys or something? And what's with the new franchise model though? Is that like a new way of making money for the club? I don't really understand how it works... can someone explain it to me?

I'm seeing a lot of people online saying that Exeter Chiefs is doomed for the worst... but I don't think so . Tony Rowe's strategy might just work out, you know? This new franchise model could bring in some serious cash and help them pay off those debts. And let's be real, £3 million isn't too shabby . Rowe's right to say that it's time for someone else to take a turn at the helm, though. He's been holding down the fort for 23 years, that's some dedication . If they can get the finances sorted out, I'm sure they'll be back on top in no time .

Just when you think rugby clubs are above it all, they gotta deal with finances too! Guess even rich guys like Tony Rowe can't avoid losses

Ugh I'm so worried about Exeter Chiefs ! £10.3m loss is crazy, and it's not just that - it's like they're playing catch-up from Covid-19 struggles too . But I gotta give credit to Tony Rowe, he's still got faith in the team, which is awesome . The new franchise model might be a game-changer, fingers crossed it brings in some fresh cash .

I mean, Sandy Park has always been an iconic venue , and if they can get that funding sorted, I'm sure Exeter will bounce back stronger than ever . Rowe's decision to step aside is probably for the best - someone else might bring a new perspective . Can't wait to see what happens next, gonna keep an eye on this one

I'm not sure if I'd say we're just one or two bad seasons away from being back on top... I mean, £10.3m loss is a pretty big hole to dig ourselves out of . But at the same time, it's hard not to feel a sense of optimism when you think about the potential for change - new investment, new model, who knows what could happen. It just makes me wonder, though, whether we're holding onto hope too tightly... is it realistic to expect that our fortunes will turn overnight? I guess the thing is, we can't control how other people invest their money . All we can do is try to stay true to ourselves and play some good rugby... and see what happens from there .

I feel so bad for Tony Rowe , trying to keep Exeter Chiefs afloat after all these years... I mean, who wouldn't want to invest in a team that's basically hemorrhaging money? And his plan is just to wait it out until the new franchise model kicks in? That's like saying "oh well, might as well put my house on fire" ... but hey, at least he's optimistic?

I was just thinking about how my favorite football team is doing this season and it made me wonder if rugby is super popular in England? Is it like soccer or does it have its own fanbase? And, um, what's with all these fancy business terms... £10.3m loss, pre-tax losses... can someone explain that to a noob like me? Also, I just remembered I need to pick up milk on the way home and has anyone tried that new coffee shop downtown?

I feel bad for Tony Rowe, he's been at Exeter Chiefs for ages and has seen a lot of ups and downs . £10.3m loss is a big number, but I think it's good that he's trying to bring in new investment . It's not easy running a club like this, especially with the Covid-19 pandemic affecting a lot of businesses. I just hope they can attract some fresh blood and get Exeter back on track .

I'm not sure about this franchise model idea, but if it works, that's all that matters . Tony Rowe seems like a down-to-earth guy who wants what's best for the club, so I'll give him that . Fingers crossed they can get Exeter back to Twickenham Stadium soon and show off their skills !

I feel so bad for Tony Rowe and the Exeter Chiefs team! £10.3m loss is a huge amount . I mean, who doesn't love rugby, right? But it's not just about the sport, it's about the people behind it too. The thought of them struggling to pay debts because of Covid-19 is really sad .

I think Tony Rowe is being super optimistic about the new franchise model, and I hope he's right ! A fresh investment could be just what they need to get back on track. And 2-3 years seems like a pretty achievable goal , especially if they can attract some big-name investors.

As a parent, it makes me think about how hard my kids are working every day, just trying to make ends meet . I hope the Exeter Chiefs team gets the support they need, not just for themselves, but for all the fans who love them .

I think its pretty interesting that Tony Rowe is banking on a new franchise model to solve Exeter Chiefs' cash problems... its almost like he's giving up control and hoping someone else can come in and save the day . At 77, I get why he'd want to step back, but it does make me wonder who'll take over the reins and if they've got what it takes to turn things around. The loss of £10.3m is huge, so its not just about throwing more money at the problem... you need a solid plan in place too . I'm curious to see how this new franchise model works out and whether it'll really bring in fresh investment like Rowe hopes.