Super Six commit to the Chiefs

By Mark Stevens
26/4/23

Exeter Chiefs Director of Rugby, Rob Baxter, has spoken of his delight after a number of his current first-team squad put pen to paper on new deals with the club.

With a plethora of long-serving stars set to head for pastures new at the end of the season, the news that others within the Sandy Park ranks are staying put is welcome news to Baxter and his team of coaches moving into the 2023/24 campaign.

Club captain Jack Yeandle heads up a stellar list of names, which also includes Jack Innard, Billy Keast, Sam Maunder, Stu Townsend and Olly Woodburn.

All have agreed terms on undisclosed deals with the Chiefs, who have previously confirmed the signings of newcomers Joe Hawkins, Ethan Roots and Will Haydon-Wood, as well as a new contract for existing full-back, Josh Hodge.

“Obviously, we’re delighted that this group of players are staying with us moving forward,” said Baxter. “When I go through that list of players, they’ve all played their part in some shape or other in helping to develop us a club.

“Jack Yeandle has captained the side for a number of years now and he’s that ‘Steady Eddie’ that kind of glues the team together. At the same time, he is still performing exceptionally well and he’s always driving the standards of those around him.

“Woody is another who has been here a while now, but the way he has been performing this season has been outstanding. He’s probably in his best form, both physically and on the field, that he’s ever been in. Equally, he’s probably been out player of the season in a lot of ways.

“Stu has had time out with unfortunate injuries, but again I believe there is still so much more in him, the same with Billy Keast, another whose been in and out with injuries, but who we believe can only get better and better with time.

“When you look at Jack Innard, he’s someone who has really started to come of age this past year or so. His leadership with the Premiership Rugby Cup side, coupled with some of his performances in both the Premiership and Europe, he’s offers a great deal to us and is another who can really kick his game on.

“As for Sam Maunder, this past 18 months he’s really started to break through, but then he suffered that really unfortunate injury up at Bath a few weeks’ ago. He’s another, though, who we see as having real potential and real growth within his game.

“Having this core group of players, along with others who have also re-signed and those who are already contracted with us, will only enhance moving forward and I’m already very excited about next season and the future.”