Harvey Skinner Signs New Contract with Chiefs

Exeter Chiefs fly-half Harvey Skinner has committed his future to the club, signing a contract extension to 2026.

The first team regular made the decision to agree a new deal with Chiefs after nearly a decade with the club.

Skinner, who initially joined the Chiefs senior ranks as a 17-year-old during the 2015/16 season, has now amassed 91 appearances as he looks set to become one of the club’s latest centurions.

“We’ve had a lot of change this year in the squad,” the fly-half explained. “So, I’ve been able to have a say with the boys and how I’d like to mould the team, so it was easy to decide to stay and try to continue to help steer the ship as we try to win some more trophies.

“I joined the club when I was 17, so I’ve seen all the transitions – the success of winning the double, the first Premiership title and the squad evolving into what it is now. The current group is really young, enthusiastic and with a lot of energy.

“I think that’s what appealed to me the most as well – being a part of this exciting group of boys that will have a big say in where we go in the next few years.”

Skinner made his senior Chiefs debut against Cardiff Blues in the Anglo-Welsh Cup in November 2016 before his Gallagher Premiership debut came a couple of seasons later, away to Bristol Bears in the 2019/20 season.

Director of Rugby Rob Baxter handed the youngster his debut and now he hands him the reigns for a further two years.

“We’re really pleased Harvey has chosen to stay. We took the decision last season that he was going to push through as one of our two senior 10s and I think he’s grabbed that responsibility really well.

“He’s helped run the team and drive everyone both on and off the field. We’ve ended up asking an awful lot of Harvey and he’s dealt with it extremely well.

“He’s played nearly 80 minutes week-in, week-out with the injury to Will Haydon-Wood, and that means he’s carried a big load. He’s had some really good performances with us going well in the Premiership and being in the Last 16 in Europe. Those things only tend to happen when key players in key positions are playing, performing, and talking well.

“Harvey’s been a big driver of things we’ve done off the field around the organisation of how we attack and defend. So, I’ve been really impressed with his individual diligence and how he’s working on all aspects of his game. He’s a guy who is last in from training, doing additional speed work or kicking. I think he’s been very professional, and he fully deserves the opportunity to have more time with us, so we’re delighted that he’s staying.”

Skinner is expected to be joined by other teammates in committing to Chiefs in the coming weeks.