EXETER Chiefs have received a double boost with Tom Hooper and Ross Vintcent back in the mix for Sunday’s clash with Newcastle Red Bulls at Sandy Park.

The international duo last featured for the Chiefs in last season’s Gallagher PREM final, when they suffered defeat against Northampton Saints, and their return comes at a crucial stage of the new campaign.

Director of rugby Rob Baxter knows his side must raise their game again after taking three points from their opening two fixtures against Gloucester and, more recently, Bath last Friday.

“Watching Newcastle’s game against Leicester [Tigers], they’re clearly a very dangerous side,” he said. “They’ve got some real strength and quality individuals in there, while they’re still learning a little how to come together as a team.

“We’ve got to just decide to be very good. I thought we were much improved against Bath in a lot of areas. We’ve got to look for the same improvement again this week and look to move forward now after a long training week.”

Wallabies back-rower Hooper is named in the matchday 23 for the first time this season after returning to the UK earlier this week following international duty.

Meanwhile, Italian international Vintcent goes straight into the starting line-up at openside flanker, with Wales international Kane James moving to the bench.

Also included is summer signing Sam Harris, who is set to make his PREM debut for the club at full-back after being named in the starting XV in place of the injured Olly Woodburn.

The remainder of the starting pack is unchanged, with Ethan Burger and Josh Iosefa-Scott packing down either side of hooker Jack Yeandle. Captain Dafydd Jenkins partners Harry Wilson in the second row, while Vintcent joins Ethan Roots and Greg Fisilau in the back row.

Stephen Varney and Harvey Skinner retain their half-back positions after both getting on the scoresheet against Bath. Brace-scorer Immanuel Feyi-Waboso and Tommy Wyatt occupy the wings, with Will Butt and Henry Slade continuing in midfield.

Baxter believes a victory against Newcastle would put Exeter back on track after a difficult start to the season.

“Two points at Bath was a decent return. In most seasons, but especially the most recent few, that’s a good return from going to The Rec,” he said.

“Only collecting one point the week before in a home game makes things a little more challenging, but if we can get a win and have seven or eight points from three weeks in, then things start to look back on track.”

Former Chiefs Franco Molina and Ollie Leatherbarrow are named on the Newcastle Red Bulls bench for their return to Sandy Park. However, Rus Tuima, Will Rigg and Josh Hodge are not included in the visitors’ matchday squad.

EXETER CHIEFS: Sam Harris; Immanuel Feyi-Waboso, Henry Slade, Will Butt, Tom Wyatt; Harvey Skinner, Stephen Varney; Ethan Burger, Jack Yeandle, Josh Iosefa-Scott, Harry Wilson, Dafydd Jenkins (capt); Ethan Roots, Ross Vintcent, Greg Fisilau. Replacements: Louie Gulley, Will Goodrick-Clarke, Bachuki Tchumbadze, Oscar Beckerleg, Kane James, Sam Wolstenholme, Will Haydon-Wood, Zack Wimbush.