Exeter Chiefs have confirmed the signing of Bath Rugby centre Will Butt on a three-year deal, with the move set to take effect from the 2026/27 season. The 26-year-old will make the switch to Sandy Park after a long association with Bath, having joined the club’s academy at the age of 14.
Join the RUCK’s WhatsApp community here and get the latest news sent straight to your messages.
Butt has gone on to make 69 senior appearances, primarily operating in the centre but also showing the versatility to cover on the wing when required.
Speaking after the announcement, Butt said: “I’m incredibly excited to be joining Chiefs next season. They’re a team that have achieved a huge amount in the last 10 years and look to be building something special once again.
“I’m looking forward to being a part of the group and contributing to the team in any way that I can.”
Butt first caught the eye in the Bath pathway with a series of dominant displays for the University of Bath in the BUCS Super Rugby competition. His performances and leadership qualities saw him handed the captaincy of Bath’s Under-18s side, underlining his standing within the club’s development system.
Further opportunities followed during the 2021/22 campaign when Butt spent time on loan with Championship side Coventry. He made a significant impact during his spell in the West Midlands, scoring five tries in six appearances, a run of form that helped secure his place in Bath’s senior squad for the 2022/23 season.
The Winchester-born back made his Bath debut in December 2021 in a Gallagher Premiership clash against Northampton Saints at cinch Stadium at Franklin’s Gardens. Since then, he has built a reputation as a reliable and physical presence in midfield, noted for his work in the kick-chase and his defensive strength.
Exeter director of rugby Rob Baxter believes Butt will be a valuable addition as the Chiefs look to bolster their midfield options.
“We’re delighted to have signed Will on a long-term deal. He’s a guy who we’ve had an eye on for a long time and now, as we’re in a position of wanting to strengthen our centre depth, it’s perfect timing,” Baxter said.
“He’s an experienced player who’s big and strong, got a great set of skills, including being a very good defender. We feel that he’s still got a lot of really good rugby to play having already played in a very successful Bath team for a number of years.
“We hope that coming in with us, he can be involved in a lot of big games in the future as we look to build a very competitive squad in the coming seasons.”
