Scottish full-back Hogg has been outstanding in the Heineken Champions Cup this season, using his outstanding aerial presence, creativity and flair to help Exeter march to the showpiece final with seven wins in eight matches.

In fact, Hogg has played such a major role that he has only missed 10 minutes of Exeter’s last five European matches, racking up 409 metres from 71 carries and six clean breaks.

His fellow nominee, back-row Sam Simmonds, is the top try-scorer in the competition, bagging seven in seven appearances, including crucial doubles against Sale Sharks and La Rochelle in Rounds 4 and 6 respectively, plus one in the semi-final success against Toulouse.

The England international has also won two Heineken Star of the Match awards, against Sale and Toulouse, and is fourth in the list of leading carriers with his tally of 92.

The changes for Exeter this weekend include Olly Woodburn coming in on the wing for Jack Nowell, who misses out with a foot injury.

Ollie Devoto replaces Ian Whitten in the centre and up front, South African Jacques Vermeulen returns to the fold in place of Sam Skinner, who drops to the bench.

Saturday 17 October – EXETER CHIEFS v RACING 92
Ashton Gate, Bristol (16:45 UK and Irish time)

Exeter Chiefs head coach Rob Baxter has named EPCR European Player of Year nominees Stuart Hogg and Sam Simmonds in his starting XV for their Gallagher Premiership semi-final against Bath Rugby on Saturday.