Scrum Half Chapman Makes Switch to Chiefs for 2025/26
Exeter Chiefs have completed the signing of scrum half Charlie Chapman from Gloucester Rugby ahead of the 2025/26 season.
The Gloucester-born half back makes the switch from Gallagher Premiership opposition having been a part of the Cherry and Whites pathway since age 14.
“I’m extremely excited to join Exeter Chiefs,” Chapman said upon his announcement. “Chiefs are a team with a rich history of success, and they have an extremely passionate fan base. I can’t wait to be a part of it.”
The 26-year-old will make the move to Devon after more than 90 appearances for Gloucester as Chiefs look to add to their range in the scrum-half position. Chapman joins former Gloucester-teammate Stephen Varney at Sandy Park for next season.
Starting his career in the junior ranks at Matson RFC, it was a case of a dream come true for the local lad when he became part of the Gloucester Academy, signing his first professional contract at age 17.
Having spent a spell on dual registration with Championship side Hartpury as well as game-time in the A leagues, Chapman received his Gloucester debut in 2018.
Rising through the ranks throughout the 2020/21 season, impressing with prominent performances in his handful of appearances, the scrum half began to receive recognition from coaches and fans alike as he was named the club’s 2021/22 Young Player of the Season.
On the international scene, Chapman previously earned caps for Scotland U20 in the U20 Six Nations. Having made his debut in 2018, he went on to represent the nation in that year’s Junior World Championship in France.
Chiefs Director of Rugby Rob Baxter is looking forward to seeing Chapman settle into life in Devon as a Chief.
“We’re really pleased to have pinned down a second scrum half signing. It was an area of our squad that we wanted to strengthen and create more competition at within the side.
“Charlie has got a lot of experience in the Premiership already but is also a guy that’s looking for a new challenge and wants to look to potentially win things in the future.
“He’s someone we’ve looked at closely. He’s got great physical attributes – great pace, very high fitness – so we think he could be very good at adding tempo and speed to what we’re wanting to do and how we want to play in attack.
“He’s a guy with great character, so we’re really looking forward to working with him.
“There are some things we’re going to do moving forward to create a fresh start. With Rob Hunter as new head coach and a new coach coming in, we feel bringing in players to add to our existing squad competition and add to how we want to play will be great additions for us.”