Exeter Chiefs assistant coach Ali Hepher has claimed that it is vital for the team to get off to a strong start in the new Aviva Premiership season.

The Chiefs finished the last campaign in fifth place in the table, missing out on a playoff spot via points difference.

Exeter start the 2015-16 campaign with matches against Bath, London Irish, Newcastle Falcons and Leicester Tigers, and Hepher is hoping that they can form a positive foundation on which to build.

"The first four weeks of the Premiership are going to be crucial and they can set you up for the season," he told the club's official website. "If you get a nice run in those four weeks then it helps 100%.

"We have generally been successful at starting quick, although this season will be slightly different as we normally go through three games one after the other (in pre-season) and then straight into the season, but this season we have four games in six weeks."

Exeter start the new season with a trip to Bath on October 16.