Exeter Chiefs have confirmed they've released Will Witty

Exeter Chiefs have confirmed that the club has agreed to release second row Will Witty from his contract with the Gallagher Premiership club.

The Yorkshireman will join French Top 14 side Perpignan ahead of the 2022/23 season after he approached the club for a release.

Witty (27) joined the Chiefs in 2019 from Newcastle Falcons and went on to play 30 times for the Devon club, scoring five tries in his time at Sandy Park.

“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," Exeter Chiefs Director of Rugby Rob Baxter, said. "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 admitted that it was a tough decision to leave. “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.”

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