Leicester has secured the signing of Solomone Kata, who will be departing Exeter after just one season once his contract expires next month.
Kata, a 28-year-old Tongan international capable of playing as a center or wing, joined Exeter as Rob Baxter’s fifth signing last season.
During his time with the Chiefs, he made 20 appearances and scored five tries, one of which came during his debut against the Tigers in September.
According to The Rugby Paper, Kata will be the 14th player leaving the Chiefs this summer and will become the sixth new addition to the Leicester squad.
Born in Neiafu, Tonga, Kata relocated to New Zealand in 2011 to pursue a rugby scholarship at Sacred Heart College in Auckland. His exceptional abilities quickly caught the attention of rugby league teams, leading him to play for the New Zealand Warriors and later the Melbourne Storm, before transitioning to the 15-man code.
Kata’s journey then took him to Canberra in Australia, where he spent two seasons with the Brumbies, forming a partnership with former Chief Nic White. In 2022, he joined Moana Pasifika for the Super Rugby competition.
Rob Baxter’s 5 worst ever signings for Exeter Chiefs
Rob Baxter is widely considered one of the greatest bosses in the history of Gallagher Premiership and has made some outstanding signings over the years.
Not only has he achieved a remarkable track record of success, but he’s also known for his exceptional player development and his team’s exciting and innovative brand of rugby.
Nonetheless, it’s impossible to maintain a perfect record in the transfer market after spending more than a decade at a rugby club.
Even the best in the business are prone to making mistakes, and here are some of the worst signings he’s made. It’s worth noting that a few of the players on this list have gone on to become stars after their disappointing stints at Sandy Park.
1. Niko Matawalu
First on the list is Niko Matawalu, the Fijian wizard who arrived at Chiefs from Bath with high expectations following his impressive performance at the 2015 Rugby World Cup.
Unfortunately, off-field issues limited the scrum-half/wing’s opportunities, and he only played once for the Exeter Braves in December 2016 before departing for Glasgow Warriors, where he quickly became a regular in the starting lineup.
