Baxter explains Naqelevuki exit

 

By Howard Lloyd

Rob Baxter says Sireli Naqelevuki's departure from Exeter Chiefs due to his inability to secure a visa is a 'tragic way' for his time at the club to end.

The imposing Fijian, who arrived in 2010, was unable to secure a visa after a series of knee problems limited him to just 12 first team appearances in the last two seasons.

Baxter said the Chiefs had been keen to offer him a new deal, but the visa issue made it impossible.

And he spoke of his regret at not being able to give a fitting send-off to a player he listed as one of the best centres in England during the Chiefs' early days in the Premiership.

"It is a bit of a tragic way for his time with us to finish really, not just because we wanted him to stay and he wanted to stay, but because we didn't get to say goodbye in the way we would have liked to at the end of the season," said the head coach.

"Sireli's injury problems over the last 18 months meant he did not make that much rugby for us and that was the deciding factor in that they would not grant him a visa.

"It is a shame because he has been a fantastic player for us and a real inspiration for us too in our time in the Premiership.

"That was particularly the case in our first couple of seasons, when I have no doubt he was probably one of the best centres in the Premiership.

"He was a huge part of our stay in the Premiership and the success we have had because of his contributions not only as a player, but also as a man."