Exeter Chiefs set to sign FIVE, including 21 stone tighthead-prop

It's already been revealed that key players Sam Simmonds (Montpellier), Luke Cowan-Dickie (Montpellier), Joe Simmonds (Pau), Dave Ewers (Ulster), Jannes Kirsten (Bulls) and Harry Williams (Montpellier) will all leave the club.

Despite no new arrivals yet being confirmed, Baxter is known to be busy as the Exeter boss looks to rebuild his once formidable side.

Below, we take a look at five players who've ben linked with a move to Sandy Park.

According to The Rugby Paper, Chiefs' Director of Rugby, Rob Baxter, may adhere to his existing approach of recruiting players with potential for development when seeking a replacement for Williams.

The reported target for the role is Northampton's 24-year-old powerhouse Painter, who weighs a stunning 21 stone.

Born in London, Painter represented England at age-grade level. Having played for England Under-16s, Under-17s, and Under-18s, he was selected for the Under-20s for the Six Nations and World Rugby Under-20s Championships in France in 2018.

Linked with a move to Exeter Chiefs by The Rugby Paper, Newcastle's versatile back-rower would add some serious bite to Exeter's depleted pack.

Part of the Falcons squad which earned promotion during 2019-20, Chick recovered from a serious knee injury during the back half of the 2020-21 season and earned an England call-up for their summer tests, making his debut against the USA at Twickenham in July 2021.

Scoring four tries in his 21 appearances during 2021-22, including captaining the side on a number of occasions, Chick went on to play for England in their end-of-season fixture against the Barbarians.

The Rugby Paper have reported today that Moriarty could return to the Premiership next season with Exeter Chiefs and Northampton Saints bidding for his services.

Destructive and powerful back row Moriarty joined the Dragons in the summer of 2018 after moving from Gloucester.

Having played for England Under 18 and Under 20, Moriarty made his Wales international debut against Ireland in August, 2015.

He originally missed out on selection for Warren Gatland’s 2015 World Cup squad but was brought in after Eli Walker’s hamstring injury forced the Ospreys winger out of the tournament.

DID YOU KNOW? Moriarty’s father Paul played in the first World Cup in 1987 before forging a successful rugby league career with Widnes.

Chiefs have been linked with a potential move for Bristol Bears hooker Harry Thacker who has spent the last five years in the West Country.

The 28-year-old former England U20 international, above, has been playing for the Bears since leaving his hometown club Leicester Tigers where he started his career.

Rob Baxter is in the market for another hooker after it was confirmed Luke Cowan-Dickie will join Montpellier next season.

Baxter is looking at Racing 92’s versatile Fijian international Ben Volavola as they search for someone to replace Joe Simmonds, who will reportedly leave the club this summer.

The 31-year-old fly-half has been well-travelled since starting his career in Australia with the Waratahs a decade ago.

He has yet to play in the Premiership, but that could be about to change.