Taione relishing move to Chiefs

By Mark Stevens

Elvis Taione says he cannot wait to pull on an Exeter Chiefs jersey for the first time after completing his move from Championship side Jersey.

The Tongan international is the latest addition to the playing ranks at Sandy Park ahead of next season and his arrival will help bolster the club's options for the No.2 jersey following the retirement of Chris Whitehead.

Although at Jersey for only one season, the 30-year-old hooker is relishing the prospect of testing himself in the cut and thrust of the Aviva Premiership.

"To be given the opportunity to join one of the strongest sides in England is an honour and I cannot wait to pull on the Exeter jersey for the first time," said Taione, who has previously had stints with Australian Super Rugby sides Western Force and the Waratahs.

"With the World Cup around the corner it was always my goal to work towards playing at the highest level, so the prospect of representing Exeter and competing in one of the strongest club competitions in world rugby was too good to turn down."

Having spoken with Chiefs head coach Rob Baxter, as well as having a detailed look around Sandy Park itself, Taione admitted it didn't take much for him to agree his move to the Westcountry.

"After meeting with Rob, I immediately bought into his vision for the club and it was clear that the club’s ambitions matched my own," he added. "I am looking forward to starting the next chapter of my career at Sandy Park and I will be working hard to ensure that I play my part in what promises to be an exciting future for the club.

"At the same time, I would like to to thank all the Jersey staff, my team-mates and the loyal supporters. I wish them all the very best for the future. I have enjoyed my time there and I have made some great mates along the way. It has been a tough season but to win on the last day and ensure survival is a memory I will always cherish."

Taione will already have one familiar face in place when he arrives for pre-season training next month as he will join up with international team-mate Fetu'u Vainikolo, who has proved an instant hit with the Chiefs faithful following his first season with the club.