Harris signs for the Chiefs

By Mark Stevens
6/4/22

Exeter Chiefs Director of Rugby, Rob Baxter, has added a fourth new name ahead of the 2022/23 campaign with the addition of highly-rated Welsh hooker Iestyn Harris from Cardiff Rugby.

The 23-year-old forward arrives at Sandy Park hot on the heels of Baxter confirming the arrivals of Leinster duo Jack Dunne and Rory O’Loughlin, as well as South African Aidon Davis from the Cheetahs.

A product of Cardiff’s academy set-up, he made his first-team debut for the club last season, coming off the bench in the Guinness Pro 14 encounter with Leinster in Dublin.

He featured again later in the season in the away game at Benetton, whilst this season started for the Welsh region in their Heineken Champions Cup encounter at home to Toulouse.

A shoulder injury has meant game time for the Welsh Under-20s starlet this season has been curtailed somewhat, but having been released by Cardiff, the Church Village-born youngster is now here in Devon going through the final phases of his rehabilitation, as well as integrating with his new team-mates.

Commenting on his new recruit, Baxter said: “We were looking to add a hooker to the senior squad for next season and Iestyn’s name was one of those we looked at. His agent sent me a few games of him playing, I had a good look at those, and I liked what I saw.

“After that, he came down to the club, we did his medical, we had a chat, and he came across very well. Talking with Iestyn, he just looks like of those guys who has an ambition, a dream, a drive, just to be the best player he can be. He’s played this season in the Champions Cup and he ticks a lot of the boxes I like to see in a young player.

“I’m grateful to Dai Young and Cardiff for releasing him early, so that he can come down here and finish off the final bits of his rehab on his shoulder injury, as well as get integrated into what we do here at the club. With Luke Cowan-Dickie still sidelined and with Iestyn himself getting close to return, there could be an opportunity for him to break into the first team before the end of the season.”

Harris himself is relishing his new opportunity with the Chiefs, adding: “I am really excited about the move. Obviously I was supposed to start here next season, but thanks to the club and Cardiff, I’m here now and I am really enjoying myself.

“Exeter is a fantastic club, full of quality players, and who are always challenging for honours and developing players. It’s a huge opportunity for me and I’m really looking forward to the future.

“I also want to thank everyone at Cardiff for all the time and effort they have put into me over the years. Without their support I wouldn’t be where I am today, so I will always be grateful to them for giving me that chance.”