It was certainly a happy return for the 24-year-old, who was not only glad to see off his former employers but, more importantly, take to the field for the first time since his arrival at Sandy Park.

"It was a good start for me and I'm chuffed for the boys as well," said Davis afterwards. "After the win the first team had at the weekend [against Gloucester], I said to the boys beforehand that we had to replicate, if not better, what the first team boys put in.

"It was a bit scrappy at times tonight, but it was good to see the boys pumped up in the changing rooms and then go out and play like they did."

Having spent six years at Bath, it was fitting that his first game for the Chiefs was on familiar soil. Davis was joined in the Exeter side by another ex-Bath star, Andrew Higgins, who like Davis signed up for Rob Baxter's side during the close season following a year out of the game.

"I spent six good years at Bath, but coming to Exeter is like having a massive weight lifted off my shoulders," added Davis.

"Already I can see everyone at Exeter is trying to strive for something better. The work ethic of everyone is right up there and it starts in the gym and it finishes up on the pitch."

Although Davis was an unused replacement in the opening day success over Gloucester in the Premiership, he played the whole 80 minutes of Monday's game and hopes his display will ensure he remains with the first team for Saturday's testing trip to defending champions Leicester Tigers.

"I know I still need to work on a load of things with regards to my game, but I was pleased with how the game went," said Davis. "I'm sure Rob would have seen tapes of me when I played at Bath, but it's important he sees me now and what I can do on the pitch.

"It's been a great start to the season for as a club, but the first thing Rob said after the game on Saturday was 'you've won the game, but now get your head down again'. Going to Leicester, we know, is going to be a big test because we're coming up against some of the best players in the country.

"That said, I think if we can get some points against them, show what we can do, then I think it will be a good benchmark for us to see just where we are at."