Gloucester wanted to lay down marker – Lake

New Gloucester captain Dewi Lake stated that his side wanted to lay down a marker after securing a dominant 45-24 victory away against Exeter Chiefs in their Premiership opener. Lake, who joined the club from Ospreys during the summer, scored two tries and was named player of the match. The win marked Gloucester's first victory at Sandy Park in 12 years.

Lake made his starting debut alongside fellow summer arrivals Jac Morgan, Jean Kleyn, and Phil Cokanasiga. The hooker credited Gloucester's defensive discipline and physical collision dominance for the result, with the team completing 241 tackles compared to Exeter's 135 and winning eight turnovers.