Exeter sign three more players after capturing Wales centre

Exeter Chiefs have been busy in the transfer market, announcing the signings of two new players following on from the signing of Wales centre Joe Hawkins this lunchtime.

Another signing is also to be revealed and it will bring to four the number of new additions to the squad this week.

The signing of four players will come as some relief to Exeter fans who have to put up with weeks of headlines surrounding their best players heading overseas. Sam Simmonds, Joe Simmonds, Harry Williams, Jannes Kirsten and Dave Ewers will all depart the club at the end of the season, with Jack Nowell very likely to follow.

One of the latest additions to their squad is former Newcastle Falcons and Wasps fly-half, Will Haydon-Wood. The 22-year-old playmaker, who has previously represented England at U20 level, joins from French ProD2 side, Massy Esonne.

Haydon-Wood brings a fair bit of experience to the Chiefs’ ranks, having played in the Gallagher Premiership with both Wasps and Newcastle.

Speaking about the move, he said: “Talking with Rob [Baxter] he’s outlined the vision of the club and how they are in the process of building a new and exciting, young squad. Listening to what he had to say and with the players they have at the club, it was a pretty easy decision in the end.”

Exeter have also secured the services of Ethan Roots, a back-rower from New Zealand. The 25-year-old will join the Chiefs from Ospreys in the United Rugby Championship. Roots is looking forward to testing himself in the Gallagher Premiership for the first time, and he is eager to help fill the void left by departing stars Ewers and Simmonds.

“Everyone knows there are some big names leaving the club, but for me that is part of the challenge, I want to try and help fill those big shoes,” said Roots. “Exeter are an established club, one with great history and tradition, and for me it’s a great move for me at this time in my career.”