Witty to leave the Chiefs

By Mark Stevens
1/7/22

Exeter Chiefs have today agreed to release Will Witty from his contract with the Gallagher Premiership club.

An opportunity has arisen for the 27-year-old forward to join French Top 14 side Perpignan ahead of the 2022/23 season.

Yorkshireman Witty joined the Chiefs back in 2019 from Newcastle Falcons and went on to make 30 appearances for the Devon club, scoring five tries.

Director of Rugby, Rob Baxter, said: “Will approached me and asked if he could be released from his contract early as an opportunity to play over in France had arisen for him. Like any player, Will wants to play regular rugby and with such competition in our back five, the challenge is always going to be there for him.

“Since he arrived from Newcastle in 2019, he’s been a great servant to the club, on and off the field, and has brought some real quality and commitment to the squad. As I said, I never want to stand in the way of any player who feels they can progress their career, and he leaves the club with our very best wishes for the future.”

Witty himself was quick to praise his time at Sandy Park, adding: “It was a tough decision to make in terms of my career. Coming to a top club like Exeter was like a dream come true for me and I leave having made some amazing memories.

“I’ll be forever grateful to Rob, Ali and the rest of the coaches for giving me the opportunity to come to Exeter. It’s been an amazing few years and I’ve made life-long friends. Now, I’ve got a new challenge in France. It’s kind of been a whirlwind few days getting things sorted, but I am looking forward to testing myself in the Top 14 and seeing how I go over there.”