From emergency response to elite rugby turf, meet Ben Silk – Head Groundsman at Exeter Chiefs.
Behind every top-level rugby fixture is a surface that’s been carefully prepared, maintained, and managed to the highest standard. At Exeter Chiefs, that responsibility sits with Head Groundsman Ben Silk, whose role goes far beyond just cutting grass and marking lines.
From managing a heavily used Desso pitch to ensuring the entire stadium is ready for matchday, Ben and his team play a vital part in delivering a professional environment for players, staff, and supporters alike. With a unique career journey that started outside the industry, and a hands-on approach to every aspect of the job, Ben brings a wealth of experience and perspective to modern grounds management.
In this spotlight, we take a closer look at Ben’s day-to-day role, the challenges of maintaining an elite rugby surface, and the dedication required to keep everything running smoothly throughout the season.
The Essentials
- Name: Ben Silk
- Job Title: Head Groundsman, Exeter Chiefs
- Team Size: 2 (plus additional support on matchdays)
- Matchday Staff: 2 grounds, 2 maintenance
- Number of Pitches: 2
- Pitch Type: Desso stitched hybrid surface
What’s in the Shed?
Ben’s setup reflects the demands of elite-level sport, combining trusted machinery with specialist turf equipment:
- 2 x Dennis rotary mowers
- 2 x Dennis cylinder mowers with changeable cassettes
- Toro ProCore
- Wiedenmann Verti-Drainer
- Iseki tractor
- SISIS rake and brush
- Fleet line marker
- Small Honda rotary mower
- Lishman sprayer
- Redexim dimple seeder
Favourite bit of kit?
“The Dennis cylinder with a changeable cassette, really versatile and reliable.”
Wishlist?
“A new pitch! Ours is 12 years old, and with the amount of usage it gets, it’s due a replacement. We’ve had areas re-stitched recently where fibres have become brittle and started to come out.”
Ben, Unfiltered
Tea or coffee?
“Coffee first thing, then tea all the way.”
Go-to meal deal?
“Southern fried chicken wrap, prawn cocktail crisps, and an orange Fanta.”
Favourite team?
“Exeter City.”
Favourite film?
“The Shawshank Redemption.”
Favourite food?
“Pasta.”
Favourite animal?
“Dog.”
Hobbies?
“Watching sport, helping as a groundsman at a local cricket club, walking the dog, playing golf when I can, and spending time with my son and family.”
Alarm time?
“6:10am.”
First job at work?
“Kettle on.”
A Career Change Like No Other
Ben’s journey into groundskeeping is anything but typical:
“It’s something I always wanted to do. After 19 years of shift work in the ambulance service, the opportunity came up when a friend who was the head groundsman needed someone. Now the responsibility sits with me.”
Previous Roles Include:
- Emergency Care Assistant (19 years, ambulance service)
- Bar Manager
- Football Coach
- Roofer
- Office role (briefly, and not for him!)
A major career shift, but one that’s clearly paid off.
Matchday Routine: More Than Just the Pitch
At Exeter Chiefs, the role goes far beyond pitch preparation.
“We’re responsible for making sure the whole stadium is ready, not just the pitch.”
A typical matchday build-up includes:
- Cylinder mowing for presentation
- Prepping the pitch around team runs (cut before and after, then mark)
- Managing usage of the main pitch during the week alongside training
- Post-match clean-up using rotary mowers when conditions allow
- General stadium upkeep, anything from tidying to fixing broken seats
“We’ve also got borders and banks to maintain, it’s not just about the playing surface.”
Despite having a dedicated training pitch, the main stadium surface still sees regular weekly use, adding to the challenge of maintaining elite standards.
Career Highlights
Biggest achievement?
“We hosted 7 games during the Women’s World Cup in 2025 and received really high praise. Having the tournament team here for a month and delivering a top-quality surface was special.”
Ben also highlights the unseen wins:
- Keeping games on using frost covers
- Managing extreme weather conditions
- And even delivering babies during his time in the ambulance service!
Advice for the Next Generation
“Listen to those with experience and learn from them. Get your Level 2 qualification and spray tickets early, it opens doors. It’s a lot harder trying to learn everything later on.”
Personal Picks
Hero growing up?
“Andrew Flintoff.”
Dream dinner guests?
“Tom Chaplin from Keane, Andrew Flintoff… and my better half, Kirsty. She might not be interested in them, but she’d enjoy the experience!”
Final Whistle
Ben’s story is a great example of how varied and rewarding a career in grounds management can be. From emergency response to elite rugby, his journey shows that passion, work ethic, and a willingness to take opportunities can lead to incredible experiences.
At Fleet Line Markers, we’re proud to support professionals like Ben, who work behind the scenes to deliver surfaces that meet the highest standards in sport.
