Henry Slade is the latest Exeter Chiefs star to be linked with a move overseas with The Rugby Paper linking him with a move to France.
A number of their star players have already confirmed they are leaving for foreign clubs.
Departures from the team at the end of the season include Sam Simmonds, Joe Simmonds, Harry Williams, Jannes Kirsten, and Dave Ewers, with Jack Nowell expected to join them.
Reports in France also suggest that Toulon may be willing to buy the Slade out of his current deal to land him for the 2023/24 Top 14 season.
Nevertheless, RUCK sources believe Slade sees his future at Sandy Park and would likely reject any advances from overseas clubs.
The 30-year-old, who has 50 caps for his country, started both of Exeter’s victories in the Champions Cup and Premiership finals during the 2020/2021 campaign, and was man of the match during the latter.
Saturday’s showdown at Sandy Park against Stormers could be the current squads last game together on the European stage.
Some of my best mates, in life and in rugby, are in this team,” Slade said.
Speaking on the Rugby Union Weekly podcast, the England international added: “They won’t be here next year, and we have made a big point of sending those boys off on a high.
“You never know if we you will be able to play with them again, ever.”
DID YOU KNOW? Slade has Type 1 diabetes, and often injects insulin at half-time in a game.
Exeter Chiefs confirm THREE new signings
Exeter fans can finally breathe a sigh of relief as the club announces the signing of three new players today with more set to follow..
#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.