Exeter Chiefs set to complete marquee signing, Wallabies star inbound
Rugby NewsTuesday, 30 April 2024 at 09:40
The Wallabies are facing potential centre dilemmas as Hunter Paisami, a pivotal player, contemplates a shift to the Gallagher Premiership, escalating concerns for Australian rugby.
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Reported by The Roar, the 26-year-old Paisami is seriously contemplating a transfer to Exeter, with the English club, led by Rob Baxter, presenting an enticing proposal to snatch the experienced 26-Test Wallaby from Ballymore.
Despite not being the tallest or heaviest, Paisami's formidable presence on the field is undeniable. Drawing inspiration from his father's mantra, "Size doesn’t matter, it’s all about the heart," Paisami asserts his prowess, stating, "My mindset is I act like I am as big as other centres. Even though I am not as big or as heavy, I believe I am and therefore I play like I am."
Born into a rugby-centric family in Auckland with Samoan roots, Paisami's journey to rugby stardom has been characterized by resilience and talent. Starting with tag rugby, he transitioned to contact football at the age of nine under his father's guidance. His talent quickly gained recognition, representing Auckland at various levels before catching the eye of talent scouts.
In 2016, Paisami made his debut for Harlequins, marking the beginning of a promising career. The following year saw him achieving milestones, including an undefeated Dewar Shield premiership victory, representing Samoa at the World Rugby U20s Championship, and making his mark with Melbourne Rising in the NPC.
His relocation to Brisbane in 2019 further elevated his career, showcasing his skills with Wests and Brisbane City, ultimately leading to a deal with Queensland. His debut for the Reds in 2020 paved the way for his first Wallaby cap, solidifying his status as a key player for Australian rugby.
While Paisami is celebrated for his defensive prowess, former Wallaby attack coach Scott Wisemantel highlights the multifaceted nature of his game. Beyond his hard-hitting tackles, Paisami possesses a nuanced skill set, including kicking off both feet and a deft passing game. The aim is to evolve Paisami into a triple threat on the field, capable of running, passing, and kicking with finesse.
As Paisami contemplates a potential move to Exeter, Australian rugby faces the prospect of losing a valuable asset, further exacerbating the ongoing challenges in the Wallabies' centre position.
Every confirmed Premiership transfer for next season - including Owen Farrell and Courtney Lawes
As the Gallagher Premiership gears up for another thrilling season, clubs are already strategizing their player acquisitions and departures in anticipation of the challenges ahead.
This comprehensive guide aims to keep fans abreast of all the transfer movements across every club in the league, tracking both incoming signings and outgoing departures.
Stay tuned for regular updates as the countdown to the new season begins, ensuring you're fully informed on all the latest transfer activity shaping the landscape of the Gallagher Premiership.
Scroll down to explore the latest transfers across the league.
Bath Rugby
Players In:
- Ross Molony from Leinster
- Francois van Wyk from Leicester Tigers
- Guy Pepper from Newcastle Falcons
- Austin Emens from Great Britain Sevens
Players Out:
- Matt Gallagher to Benetton
- Steffan Emanuel to Cardiff
- Johannes Jonker to Grenoble
Bristol Bears
Players In:
- Viliame Mata from Edinburgh
- Kofi Cripps from Clifton
- Lovejoy Chawatama from Harlequins
- Steele Barker from Cornish Pirates
- Tom Doughty from Doncaster Knights
- Sam Edwards from Leicester Tigers
Players Out:
- Callum Sheedy to Cardiff
- Tom Bowen to Cardiff
- Kyle Sinckler to Toulon
- Magnus Bradbury to Edinburgh
Exeter Chiefs
Players In:
- Jimmy Roots from Ealing Trailfinders
Players Out:
- Patrick Schickerling to Glasgow Warriors
- Aidon Davis to Cheetahs
- Alec Hepburn to Scarlets
Gloucester Rugby
Players In:
- Tomos Williams from Cardiff
- Gareth Anscombe unattached
- Christian Wade from Racing 92
Players Out:
- Alex Hearle to Newcastle Falcons
- Adam Hastings to Glasgow Warriors
- Santiago Socino to Agen
Harlequins
Players In:
- [No new signings listed]
Players Out:
- Louis Lynagh to Benetton
- André Esterhuizen to Sharks
- Lovejoy Chawatama to Bristol Bears
Leicester Tigers
Players In:
- Corné Beets from Blue Bulls
- Nicky Smith from Ospreys
- Izaia Perese from NSW Waratahs
Players Out:
- Jasper Wiese to Urayasu D-Rocks
- Phil Cokanasiga to Ospreys
- Guy Porter released
- Dan Richardson released
- Matt Scott released
- Francois van Wyk to Bath
- Nic Dolly to Western Force
- Sam Edwards to Bristol Bears
- Ollie Crane released
- Jacob Cusick released
- Simon Koroiyadi released
- Morgan Meredith released
Newcastle Falcons
Players In:
- Adam Scott promoted from Academy
- Alex Hearle from Gloucester
- Luan de Bruin from Edinburgh
- Marcus Tiffen promoted from Academy
- Cameron Neild from Sale Sharks
- Oli Spencer promoted from Academy
Players Out:
- Phil Brantingham to Saracens
- Louie Johnson to Saracens
- Guy Pepper to Bath
Sale Sharks
Players In:
- Le Roux Roets from Sharks
- Waisea Nayacalevu from Toulon
Players Out:
- Cobus Wiese to Bulls
- Manu Tuilagi to Bayonne
- Cameron Neild to Newcastle Falcons
Saracens
Players In:
- Phil Brantingham from Newcastle Falcons
- Rhys Carré from Cardiff
- Fergus Burke from Crusaders
- Louie Johnson from Newcastle Falcons
- Sam Spink from Western Force
Players Out:
- Owen Farrell to Racing 92
- Christian Judge to Béziers
- Alex Lewington retired
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