Goodrick-Clarke Headed to Sandy Park

Exeter Chiefs have bolstered their front row depth with the addition of loosehead prop Will Goodrick-Clarke ahead of the 2024/25 season.

The former London Irish man joins from RFU Championship side, Ealing Trailfinders. And so, there will be familiar faces at Sandy Park in the form of former Ealing teammate Jimmy Roots and former coach Ross McMillan.

After a year in the Championship, the prop is eager to get back into the thick of Gallagher Premiership competition.

"I am relishing the chance to get back out there, play in these big games, and see what I can contribute to this Chiefs team."

The 28-year-old prop first picked up a rugby ball as a youngster at Stow on the Wold Rugby Club in Cheltenham. Having honed his talents, he earned a place in the Gloucester Rugby Academy before cutting his teeth with adult rugby for Richmond in the RFU Championship.

His performances for the London second tier side led to him catching the eye of former Premiership competition London Irish. During his time in the green exile jersey, Goodrick-Clarke made over 50 club appearances, becoming a key figure amongst the ranks of the aspiring side.

Spotted by then England coach Eddie Jones, the Englishman was involved in multiple international training camps before a non-capped appearance came in 2022 against the Barbarians at Twickenham.

Director of Rugby Rob Baxter is looking forward to seeing Goodrick-Clarke back in a Premiership environment and testing himself amongst the Chiefs front rowers.

“We knew some looseheads would be moving on and we wanted to replace them, as well as add to what we have here by signing a quality player who we knew had Premiership experience but was also of the right age range to be here for a prolonged time with a lot of rugby left in him.

“Will fills that mould fantastically for us. He’s an established player who was playing very well for London Irish at the time of their demise. He had worked closely with Ross McMillan and Ross had a lot of good things to say about him – his work ethic, the quality of player and the person that he is.

“We watched a lot of him playing in the Championship this season and saw he was playing well, so we think he’ll be a fantastic addition to our squad. We know he’s desperate to get back into playing in the Premiership to push on and try to be successful and win trophies. And that’s exactly the type of player we’re looking to bring in.

“He’s a guy that’s got some experience already but that we’ll help to keep improving and hopefully he can be the type of guy that helps to drive us forward and be a successful team in the future.”