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'Several frustrating years': Will Witty explains his Exeter exit
By Liam Heagney
Will Witty has explained why he quit Exeter for the chance to join Perpignan in the Top 14. The 27-year-old bailed out of the Chiefs following three seasons under Rob Baxter and he has now spoken about the reasons why he chose to leave for France at a time when the English club were losing a raft of second rows.
Jonny Hill (Sale) and Sam Skinner (Edinburgh) were other locks to part company with Exeter at the end of the 2021/22 season and Witty, who arrived at Sandy Park after six seasons at Newcastle where he made a January 2014 Anglo-Welsh Cup debut, has now spoken from Perpignan about his departure from the Chiefs where he made 30 appearances in three seasons.
“It is a challenge that is both very refreshing and very exciting to have joined Perpignan,” said Witty to Midi Olympique, the French rugby newspaper. “It's so different from anything I've known on and off the field. So far, I love it even though it's way too hot for me.
“I was coming to the end of my contract with Exeter. I had several options in England but I wanted something completely different. Perpignan was the opportunity I had been waiting for. I was coming out of several frustrating years and I was able to see up close what makes great successes.”
Witty was only a bystander when Exeter clinched their precious 2020 European and Premiership double, but there were lessons from that situation that he has now taken to France with him.
“I wasn’t in the team for the finals but I had my share in the adventure and I could see up close what makes the greatest successes: the work, the preparation, the mentality… It was a great experience, I learned a lot but I want to be a player in all of this from now on.”
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Latest Comments
It certainly needs to be cherished. Despite Nick (and you) highlighting their usefulness for teams like Australia (and obviously those in France they find form with) I (mention it general in those articles) say that I fear the game is just not setup in Aus and NZ to appreciate nor maximise their strengths. The French game should continue to be the destination of the biggest and most gifted athletes but it might improve elsewhere too.
I just have an idea it needs a whole team focus to make work. I also have an idea what the opposite applies with players in general. I feel like French backs and halves can be very small and quick, were as here everyone is made to fit in a model physique. Louis was some 10 and 20 kg smaller that his opposition and we just do not have that time of player in our game anymore. I'm dying out for a fast wing to appear on the All Blacks radar.
But I, and my thoughts on body size in particular, could be part of the same indoctrination that goes on with player physiques by the establishment in my parts (country).
Go to commentsHis best years were 2018 and he wasn't good enough to win the World Cup in 2023! (Although he was voted as the best player in the world in 2023)
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