"Exodus continues" - Exeter Chiefs confirm NINTH departure

The 24-year-old, who joined the Champions Cup semi-finalists from Connacht in 2021, is heading back to Ireland for the next season as he has agreed to a two-year deal with Munster.

O'Brien had an impressive season with Exeter, notably starting in the Premiership Cup Final win over London Irish last month.

However, it seems that a move back to his native Ireland is on the horizon as he seeks new opportunities with Munster.

This departure is part of a larger trend of players leaving Exeter, which has seen several key players depart from the club in recent times.

The reasons for this exodus are not entirely clear, but it could be due to various factors such as contract negotiations, personal preferences, or opportunities elsewhere.

He becomes the clubs ninth departure.

Check out their new signings below:

Heading to Sandy Park ahead of the 2023/24 season is former Newcastle Falcons and Wasps fly-half, Will Haydon-Wood, who will join the Gallagher Premiership club from French Pro D2 side, Massy Esonne.

The 22-year-old playmaker is no strange to English rugby’s top-flight and his addition is another boost for the Chiefs, who have already confirmed the arrivals of Joe Hawkins and Ethan Roots from the Ospreys.

“It’s a really exciting move for me,” said the former England Under-20s international. “Obviously, I’ve come up against the Chiefs in the past and I know how much of a force they have become, not just within the English game, but also across Europe as well.

“Talking with Rob [Baxter] he’s outlined the vision of the club and how they are in the process of building a new and exciting, young squad. Listening to what he had to say and with the players they have at the club, it was a pretty easy decision in the end.”

Having started this season at Wasps following a number of years at the Falcons, Haydon-Wood was forced to look for new employment last October when the Midlands club were forced to withdraw from all competitions following the collapse of the former English and European champions.

The 25-year-old forward is Rob Baxter’s latest addition to his squad for the 2023/24 season and will join from United Rugby Championship outfit, Ospreys Rugby, this summer.

The all-action, back-rower joined the Welsh region in March 2021 from the Crusaders and has since gone on to establish himself as a physical on-field force.

The arrival of Roots will come some way to helping fill the void left by the departing Dave Ewers and Sam Simmonds, two men the newcomer admitted he has high praise for.

“Everyone knows there are some big names leaving the club, but for me that is part of the challenge, I want to try and help fill those big shoes,” said Roots.

“It’s an exciting move for me and my family and I’m looking forward to having a crack at the Premiership for the first time. Chatting with Rob, he outlined the vision for the future of the club and how he wants us as players to lay the foundations for the years to come.

“As I said, I like a challenge and I like the thought of us being underdogs with a real point to prove. Exeter are an established club, one with great history and tradition, and for me it’s a great move for me at this time in my career.”

he highly-rated Welsh international is Rob Baxter’s first major signing ahead of the 2023/24 season and arrives in Devon on a long-term deal.

His signing, however, is somewhat of a coup for the Chiefs and Baxter, who is quietly assembling a gifted and talented young squad to take the club forward for years to come.

“I’m really excited about the move,” said Hawkins. “It’s a new challenge for me and something a bit different, especially moving away from my home region, who I will always be thankful to for giving me the playing opportunities that I've had up until now. That said, it does feel a home away from home, especially with all the Welsh boys that are down there already.”

Indeed, the 20-year-old back already has a glut of familiar faces to welcome him to the club, having played previously with the likes of Oli Burrows, Dafydd Jenkins, Dan John and Christ Tshiunza at age group levels.

“I know a few of the boys already, which will definitely help the settling in process,” added Hawkins. “I’ve spoken to a few of them and they’ve told me plenty of good things about the club and the culture that exists down there.

“Also, chatting with Rob and Ali [Hepher], I liked what they had to say about how they want to play and how they want to create a new team capable of challenging at the very top. That really appealed to me, I wanted to be part of it, and I wanted to be there at the start of this journey.

“Over the years the Chiefs have been known for bringing through youngsters and giving them their chance on the biggest stages. I want to be part of that and I want to try and take the club onwards and upwards.”