NEW DEAL | Exeter Chiefs star pens contract extension

Sunday, 26 April 2020 at 10:08

bySteven Smith

Elvis Taione has spoken of his delight after it was today confirmed he has put pen to paper on a new contract extension with the Exeter Chiefs.

The Tongan international is the latest member of Rob Baxter’s squad to commit their future to the current leaders of the Gallagher Premiership.

Brought to Sandy Park in the summer of 2014 from Championship outfit, Jersey Reds, the hard-hitting hooker has certainly proved his worth during his six-year stay in Devon, amassing to date 76 first-team appearances and seven tries.

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🚨 BREAKING NEWS: 🚨 @officialTongaRU international @ElvisTaione is latest name to commit his future to @premrugby leaders @ExeterChiefs ⬇️ exeterchiefs.co.uk/news/taione-si…

7:30 AM · Apr 26, 2020

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Now, the 36-year-old forward is looking forward to playing his part in what he hopes will be an exciting period in the history of the Chiefs.

“I’ve been here six years and Exeter is definitely home from home for me,” said Taione. “I enjoy life here, the club is great, the boys are like a family, so it’s all good for me. In a lot of ways, it’s such an easy decision to make because of what we have at the club.

“I’ve been at other clubs in the past, but none of them compare to what it’s like here. It’s a good feeling to know the club and Rob want me to stay, but I have to credit everyone around me because they have helped me improve so much.

“The group we have here is not only very good, but it’s capable of achieving great things and winning trophies.”

Full List Of 53 Gallagher Premiership Players Out Of Contract At End Of Season

Gallagher Premiership players have been left in limbo with the season on hold amid the coronavirus pandemic, with at least 53 of them due to become free agents at the end of June.

We've not included players who have confirmed a move elsewhere or have announce they'll retire.

With some clubs not releasing contract lengths, the figure is probably much higher. Very worrying.

Bath Rugby (11)

Henry Thomas
Tom Homer
Matt Garvey
Josh Matavesi
Will Chudley
Aled Brew
Freddie Burns
Max Green
Alex Davies
Jackson Willison
Levi Douglas

Bristol Bears (9)

Shaun Malton
Luke Daniels
Jake Armstrong
Joe Batley
Sam Graham
Tom Lindsay
Jordan Lay
James Lay
Adrian Choat
Ryan Edwards
Ollie Dawe

Exeter Chiefs (5)

Exeter Chiefs player Matt Kvesic during the warm up before the Gallagher Premiership rugby game between Sale Sharks and Exeter Chiefs at JW Bell Stadium on March 2nd - PHOTO: Steve Bond/PPAUK

Matt Kvesic
Gareth Steenson
Phil Dollman
Stan South
James Short

Gloucester (4)

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Owen Williams
Josh Hohneck
Charlie Sharples
Matt Banahan

Harlequins (2)

(l to r) Danny Care (England and Harlequins), Mike Brown (England and Harlequins) and Chris Robshaw (England and Harlequins, Captain) - Photo mandatory by-line: Garry Bowden/Pinnacle - Tel: +44(0)1363 881025 - Mobile:0797 1270 681 - VAT Reg No: 768 6958 48 - 100313 - SPORT - RUGBY UNION - RBS 6 Nations - England v Italy - Twickenham Stadium, London, England