Former Cardiff Blue and Exeter Chiefs player Damien Welch has signed a two-year deal to become Plymouth Albion head coach.
Welch retired last season after a 13-year playing career in which he won an Anglo-Welsh Cup winner’s medal in 2014, and an Aviva Premiership winner’s medal in 2017.
"I’m really looking forward to getting stuck in. From the moment I spoke to Max (Venables) about what the club saw as there way forward I think it made me more desperate to get the job," said Welch.
"My interest has been peaked ever since that moment. I’m really looking forward to getting down there and getting stuck in. I’ve heard good things about the fans, Max has explained the whole Crowd Funder initiative and the fact that it has been massively successful says to me a hell of a lot about the state of where we can get Rugby to in Plymouth.
"If you have got that type of fan base with that kind of commitment, then it will be exciting times ahead. Hopefully, Corona Virus will blow over and we can get back to making Albion great, that would be fantastic’. "
LIST | Five senior Exeter Chiefs players set for exit in big overhaul
Exeter Chiefs are set for a significant overhaul of their playing squad that will end in at least five senior players leaving…
The Chiefs have already confirmed that Nic White (Brumbies), Sam Hill (Sale Sharks) and Enrique Pieretto (Glasgow Warriors) will depart this summer.
Here are five other players who will currently be free agents in the summer...
1. Gareth Steenson
The 35-year-old is set to be out of contract in the summer after last signing a two year extension in 2018. Steenson has been at the forefront of Exeter's rise out of the Championship and their subsequent rise to Premiership champions. Having settled in the city, it seems he will either sign or extension or hang up his boots.
2. Matt Kvesic
The 27-year-old's availability was quickly pounced upon by Worcester director of rugby Alan Solomons, which sees the flanker rejoin his boyhood club.
3. James Short
Keen to get his career back on track after a disappointing spell at London Irish, the speedy winger arrived in 2015 and enjoyed a stellar first few seasons in Devon. However, playing just 252 minutes this season, it's looks unlikely that the 30-year-old will be offered a contract extension by Rob Baxter.
4. Stan South
The 23-year-old Englishman made three appearances since joining Chiefs from Harlequins last summer before joining Edinburgh on loan. It's not looking likely that his contract will be renewed.
5. Phill Dollman
Rob Baxter's first signing when he took charge of the Exeter Chiefs back in 2009, the Welshman has played an integral role in the rise of the Devon club since his arrival. The 34-year-old fullback penned a one-year extension towards the end of the 2018/19 season, but it's looking increasingly likely that he may have played his last game for Chiefs.
TRENDING
LATEST NEWS
LATEST COMMENTS
Loading