Gareth Steenson has spoken of his delight after putting pen to paper on a new two-year deal with the Exeter Chiefs.
The club’s record points-scorer is to extend his stay at Sandy Park until at least the end of 2019/20 season and is the first indication from Director of Rugby Rob Baxter that he is keen to keep hold of a number of his frontline stars moving forward.
Signed by the Chiefs back in the summer of 2010 from the Cornish Pirates, the 33-year-old fly-half has played an integral part in the recent rise of Exeter out of the Championship and into one of the leading rugby’s forces within the European game.
With over 250 appearances in all competitions and a points tally of 2,331, the Dungannon-born playmaker has been the headline maker on numerous occasions, most notably last May when his winning kick helped the Chiefs to lift the Aviva Premiership for the first time in the club’s history.
This season, Steenson has again forged himself as the regular custodian at No.10, producing some impressive displays as the Chiefs have positioned themselves in pole position in terms of their title defence.
As one of a number of current Chiefs whose contracts are set to expire at the end of the current season, Baxter has wasted little time in ensuring one of his prized assets remains here in the Westcountry.
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“Obviously I’m very pleased and I’m really enjoying my rugby here,” said Steenson. “To sign the new deal is very exciting for both me and my family. I’ve been lucky enough to be involved with the squad over the years and I’ve seen the place develop hugely to the position we are in now.
“Moving forward, I can only see the club going from strength to strength and I am delighted to be part that. I view Exeter as my club and I have done so for many years. As I said, it’s great to get my future sorted and now that I’ll be here for another couple of seasons at least enjoying my rugby.”