Aviva Premiership big four battle on but Exeter and Wasps close in

So, the predictable ‘big four’ will contest the Aviva Premiership play‑offs after all.

Though Exeter fell agonisingly short of reaching their first play-off game, the way they have conducted themselves since joining the top level of English rugby is a model for aspiring clubs.

There has been measured development on and off the pitch, based on organic rather than sugar-daddy money and they have, in Rob Baxter, an unassuming but highly effective coach who has engendered a superb team ethos.

Quite why they appear to have been in the camp of the rich at the latest Premiership board meetin…