Exeter Chiefs boss Rob Baxter says top try-scorer Campbell Ridl must ensure he does not become a “one-shot wonder”.
- Build on breakout season: Campbell Ridl scored 17 tries and impressed in key matches.
- Return to pre-season improved: Rob Baxter demands Ridl arrive fitter and sharper on day one to avoid fading.
- Immediate summer plan: Rob Baxter will call within 48 hours to set targeted four to five week training goals.
- Crucial finals experience: try and try-saving tackle in the Premiership final at Twickenham showcased big-match potential.
- Club pathway: London-born Ridl, an Exeter University graduate, is among young players expected to feature next season.
The 21-year-old winger capped his first campaign in Exeter’s senior side with a try and a try-saving tackle in their Prem final loss to Northampton Saints on Saturday.
It capped a breakout season for the England Under-20 player, who scored 17 tries in all competitions for Exeter this season, but Baxter said Ridl must build on his successful first season at Sandy Park.
“The single biggest thing that Campbell can do is turn up on day one of pre-season better than he is now,” he told BBC Sport after the loss at Twickenham.
“Because if he doesn’t, it doesn’t matter what this season’s been about, this season just falls apart and it means you become a one-shot wonder. You become that guy Exeter had who was quite good and then doesn’t happen again.”
London-born Ridl graduated from the club’s tie-up with Exeter University, having moved back to England after growing up in South Africa, and Baxter said he would keep tabs on the player over the summer.
“He’ll be one of those guys I’ll give a phone call to in 48 hours and just go, ‘Right, now’s your time, that’s your dipping your toe into it, you know what Premiership Rugby’s about now, you know what a final’s about, you know what a semi-final’s about, you know we can get better. Well how are you going to get better, and what are you going to do the next four or five weeks?'” he said.
“He’s going to be one of those guys who are going to be very important to us next season, as are a number of other younger players.”
