Exeter Chiefs assistant coach Ali Hepher believes that there is a weight of expectation on the shoulders of his side ahead of the new rugby campaign.

The Devon outfit have impressed since their promotion to the Aviva Premiership in 2010 and managed to earn qualification for next season's Heineken Cup after finishing fifth in the league last year.

The Chiefs go into only their third-ever season in the English top flight, but Hepher is hoping that the Sandy Park club can build on their recent success.

"It's a huge year ahead," said Hepher.

"There will be a level of expectation I guess, but we will treat the season in just the same way as we have done every other year. We will look to improve the things we can, but at the same time we'll not look too far ahead ourselves.

"Ultimately it's [in the Heineken Cup] where every coach and player want to be on the club scene. It's important to us and we are happy with where we are right now. We are aware there is a lot of work ahead, but we will crack on and it will be exciting times when all the fixtures come out."

The fixtures for the 2012-13 Premiership season will be announced at 2pm on Wednesday, July 4.