Phil Dollman says he’s looking to end his Exeter Chiefs career on a high note after he this week agreed terms on a new short-term deal with the Gallagher Premiership club.
The popular Welshman’s contract expired at the end of June, but after discussions with Director of Rugby, Rob Baxter, he is now extending his career with the Devon club until the end of the 2019/20 campaign.
🏉 – Long-serving @ExeterChiefs back @philldollman agrees short-term deal with club until the end of the 2019/20 season ⬇️https://t.co/0rEZJnlyCt pic.twitter.com/dvdPzg9Y9K
— Exeter Chiefs at 🏡 (@ExeterChiefs) July 5, 2020
That means the 35-year-old will be part and parcel of the Chiefs mix as they look to resume their season in both the Premiership and Heineken Champions Cup next month.
“Fingers crossed we can get back to rugby soon,” said Dollman, who was Baxter’s first signing when he took charge of the Chiefs back in 2009. “If it does happen, hopefully we can get to do some special things. There is still plenty out there for us to go after, so it’s exciting times.”
The Chiefs currently head the Premiership by five points from next-best Sale Sharks, whilst they also have a European quarter-final tie against Northampton Saints to tackle. However, the here and now is all about training for Dollman and his club-mates, who have not seen competitive action since mid-March when they defeated Bath comprehensively at Sandy Park.
JOIN THE RUCK:
Where are they now? Exeter Chiefs first Premiership XV from 2010
Fullback: Luke Arscott –Went onto play for Bristol before retiring. The versatile back is now the head coach at Dings Crusaders and is still looking for opportunities post-playing.
Winger: Nic Sestaret – The French winger joined Exeter in 2008 and was a key part of the Chiefs promotion. After retiring from rugby in 2014, he was appointed Head of Rugby at Taunton School. Prior to that appointment, he coached for Sidmouth 1st XV and worked for HSBC Premier in Exeter.
Centre: Phil 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. One of the few survivors of the Championship-winning side of 2010, Dollman’s honours with the club include winning the Aviva Premiership title in 2017 and the LV= Cup in 2014.
Centre: Bryan Rennie – He joined Chiefs in 2009 and made 172 appearances in a three year period before retiring following a short stint at Bristol. The centre is now the Commercial Manager Hong Kong Rugby & co-owner of RugbyTots Hong Kong.
Winger: Mark Foster – The England Sevens international got off to a blistering start, scoring Exeter’s first try in the Aviva Premiership against his former club in the season opener. He then joined Jersey on a two-year contract before hanging up his boots. The speedster toyed with the idea of becoming a referee before going into business, working as a tax assistant at Smith & Williamson.
