Newcastle Red Bulls confirm signing of centre from PREM rivals on two-year deal

The 25-year-old Englishman has scored ten tries in 30 matches for the Chiefs since joining from Coventry, having come through the BUCS Super Rugby pathway with Cardiff Met. Rigg will join his fellow Exeter Chiefs teammate Rusi Tuima in Newcastle ahead of the upcoming season.

Standing at 6 foot 1, Rigg is comfortable occupying either of the centre positions, and insists the prospect of a move to the North East was just too good to turn down.

“I am absolutely thrilled to be joining what I feel is one of the most exciting projects in rugby at the moment,” he said.

“Speaking to the club and seeing the ambition and vision excited me greatly, and can’t wait to get stuck into things up there”

Newcastle Red Bulls sporting general manager Neil McIlroy said: “Will has shown plenty of line-breaking ability during his time with Exeter, which will be a big asset for us as we look to build our game over the next few seasons.

“He’s a physical ball carrier with a good turn of pace, and I’m looking forward to seeing his continued progress within our environment.”