Highly-rated youngsters agree new deals

By Mark Stevens
26/4/23

Rob Baxter’s forward-thinking for the future has continued apace with another batch of re-signing at the Exeter Chiefs.

Having already confirmed new deals for Josh Hodge, Jack Innard, Billy Keast, Sam Maunder, Stu Townsend, Olly Woodburn and Jack Yeandle, the Chiefs Director of Rugby has now unveiled his latest batch of players who are committing their future to the Devon club.

Will Becconsall, Tom Cairns, James Kenny, Max Norey, Danny Southworth and Tom Wyatt have all put pen to paper on deals that will see them at Sandy Park for next season and beyond.

The news is yet another boost for Baxter, who despite losing a number of front-line stars at the end of the current campaign, is already deeply entrenched into creating his next golden generation.

“Beccs was already under contract, but we felt it right that he improved his deal,” said Baxter. “He’s a guy we see as having a really bright future, the same as Tom Cairns, and between them they have really stepped up this season and put in some big performances in some big games already.

“Likewise, it’s great that Tom Wyatt has extended his deal too. He’s come back from the Cornish Pirates, where he’s done very well and shown us exactly what he can do. Now, quite rightly, he’s desperate to be here with us and further develop his game and his career.

“With the young front-row boys, again we’re starting to see real progress in them as well. Guys like James Kenny, Danny Southworth and Max Norey, they were guys who suffered in those Covid seasons and not getting that game time they really needed to develop. More recently, we’ve been able to get them out to clubs in the Championship, as well as playing here a bit, and get them that senior game time under their belts that they needed.”

As well as the above mentioned group of six, Baxter has also secured the futures of young props Fin Richardson and Jacob Morris, as well as tying down highly-rated Italy A forward, Ross Vintcent. Others being promoted into the Senior Academy group are current England Under-18s lock Oscar Beckerleg, Louie Gully and Jeremy Tuima.

Baxter added: “We’ve been working very hard to put together a quality and enthusiastic group of young players who can form that next layer within our squad. Yes, we’ve got a lot of players moving on this season, but equally we’re growing and investing heavily in another group for next season and beyond.

“We’ve been lucky over the years that we’ve been able to take a number of what you would call homegrown talent and turn them into players capable of playing at the very highest level. That said, we need more behind that, as well as adding others on the top end. What you’re seeing with our plans is very much based around creating a side that can challenge, not just next year, but the year after that and so on.”