Men down.

Exeter Chiefs will be without England international back-row Sam Simmonds and lock Jonny Hill for their Champions Cup opener with Munster in Sandy Park on October 13.

Simmonds, who has five tries in five games this season, picked up a serious knee injury in the Chiefs’ win over Worcester this past weekend, and could miss a large chunk of the season.

Hill meanwhile sustained a hand ligament problem – a faces a similar lengthy spell on the sidelines.

“It’s a little bit early to say how bad they are at the moment,” said Exeter boss Rob Baxter.

“Hopefully, they will be back before the end of the season, but I can’t really say at this stage.”

The Chiefs currently sit second in the Premiership, having won all five of their opening games. But will no doubt feel the absence of Hill and Simmonds – with the latter arguably their best player this season.