The exodus of players from Exeter Rugby Club shows no signs of slowing down, with centre Sean O’Brien set to become the latest player to leave Sandy Park this summer.
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.
CONFIRMED EXETER DEPARTURES:
EXETER SIGN THREE FOR NEXT SEASON:
Check out their new signings below:
#1. Will Haydon-Wood
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.