Bournemouth versatile back Mike Pope said when Exeter Chiefs won the Premiership last May, the sport exploded in the South West region.

With one of those teams visiting Chapel Gate tomorrow - Exeter University - Pope said the Chiefs’ success had a huge knock-on effect.

Plucky underdogs Exeter were crowned English champions having only been promoted to the top tier in 2010, built their style on strong team spirit and togetherness and former Chief Pope hopes Bournemouth can do the same.

He said: “When Exeter won the Premiership title, it was amazing to be around that area.

“Obviously I have been around the area and I have been around the Chiefs and I can’t comment on other teams’ cultures but the one thing they managed to install and develop there was the best I have ever seen in any sporting environment or even a business environment.

“If you look at their squad, they could in theory sign whoever they wanted - they have probably got the money and the backing.

“They have got superstars obviously but most of them have come through their own system or ranks obviously.”

Bournemouth youth product Pope has mostly operated at fly-half so far in The Lions’ unbeaten South West Premier start.

But he secured a sports scholarship to study at Exeter University before signing terms with The Chiefs.

Following that, he represented The Chiefs in the A-League and JP Morgan Sevens, so facing his former alma meta will be a strange proposition for him.

Pope added: “After College, I applied for universities and the idea of going to university for me was not only to come out with a degree at the end of it but to try and use university as a vehicle to further my rugby career.

“I went to Exeter University, but I won’t know any of the players now because I graduated from there in 2013 - so it was a few years ago now.

“I’m not sure who the coaches are now and who will come down with them but the likes of Keith Fleming was Director Of Rugby there and Tony Yapp was the backs coach for the university and also at Taunton Titans.

“So I’m quite excited to play them but it will be quite strange but I’m very much looking forward to playing them.”