Horstmann hails club culture

By Mark Stevens

Kai Horstmann says the unique club culture that exists within the Exeter Chiefs camp helped make his decision to sign a new contract with the Aviva Premiership side all the more easier.

Signed in the summer of 2012 from Worcester Warriors, the 32-year-old forward has settled well to life in the Westcountry and his impressive on-field form has been rewarded with a new one-year deal by Chiefs head coach Rob Baxter.

The experienced back-row forward has put to bed a frustrating start to life at Sandy Park – where injury ruled him out for much of the first half of his maiden season in Devon – to now establish himself firmly within the Chiefs mix.

“I’m really pleased to have signed on again,” said Horstmann. “I enjoy it here, I’m enjoying the rugby we play and my family are very settled as well. Obviously my first year was hugely frustrating because of the injury, but I’m getting there and now I’m enjoying what I do.

“The Chiefs is a great club to be at and a huge part of me signing on again was down to the people that are here. The culture here is different, but that’s not a bad thing in any way. Like most good things, it starts from the top.

“The club is driven by a huge amount of heart and passion and by guys that believe in the club and who have been here for a long time. That filters down within the playing side of things as well because we have some real characters and leaders, together with people who want to do well.

“It’s that culture which is helping to drive the club forward and wanting us to achieve things. As I said, a big part for me signing on again was the group of players that are here. The culture we have; the coaching that we receive and where the club wants to get to and how competitive it is, it’s a great environment to work in.

“Like anywhere you face different challenges every day, but that’s part and parcel of it all and it makes it a great place to work in.”

With Horstmann joining club-mate Haydn Thomas in agreeing new terms, the make-up of the Chiefs squad for next season is already beginning to take shape, including new signings such as Moray Low and Thomas Waldrom.

The acquisition of England international Waldrom from Leicester Tigers merely adds to the intense battle for a spot in the Exeter back-row, but Horstmann says such rivalry will merely help to bring the best out in everyone.

“The back-row is a hugely competitive position anyway,” he said. “In order to be a successful side you need to have strong competition in every position. Certainly we have that here already and I’ve no doubt it will be the same next season.

“Of course it’s exciting, but it can also be frustrating at times. However, that competition will push you to work harder and then when you get your opportunity, it’s up to you to make the most of it and show the coaches what you are capable of.”

With 23 first team appearances already accrued in Exeter colours, Horstmann has already demonstrated to Baxter the abilities he can bring to the Chiefs squad.

“It’s nice that Rob rates you and that he wants you to be a part of things,” he continued. “He always plays a straight bat, he’s honest and you know where you stand with him. For me, signing on again was all fairly straight-forward simply because I was happy and settled, the club wanted me to stay, so it was just a case of sorting out the necessary details in the end.”

With his contract sorted, Horstmann will now be hoping to add to his appearances when the Chiefs continue their Premiership campaign at Saracens this Sunday (3.15pm).