Elvis Taione has spoken of his delight after it was today confirmed he has put pen to paper on a new contract extension with the Exeter Chiefs.
The Tongan international is the latest member of Rob Baxter’s squad to commit their future to the current leaders of the Gallagher Premiership.
Brought to Sandy Park in the summer of 2014 from Championship outfit, Jersey Reds, the hard-hitting hooker has certainly proved his worth during his six-year stay in Devon, amassing to date 76 first-team appearances and seven tries.
🚨 BREAKING NEWS: 🚨 @officialTongaRU international @ElvisTaione is latest name to commit his future to @premrugby leaders @ExeterChiefs ⬇️https://t.co/1IepMb89I8 pic.twitter.com/yInNpitmBD
— Exeter Chiefs at 🏡 (@ExeterChiefs) April 26, 2020
Now, the 36-year-old forward is looking forward to playing his part in what he hopes will be an exciting period in the history of the Chiefs.
“I’ve been here six years and Exeter is definitely home from home for me,” said Taione. “I enjoy life here, the club is great, the boys are like a family, so it’s all good for me. In a lot of ways, it’s such an easy decision to make because of what we have at the club.
“I’ve been at other clubs in the past, but none of them compare to what it’s like here. It’s a good feeling to know the club and Rob want me to stay, but I have to credit everyone around me because they have helped me improve so much.
“The group we have here is not only very good, but it’s capable of achieving great things and winning trophies.”
Full List Of 53 Gallagher Premiership Players Out Of Contract At End Of Season
Gallagher Premiership players have been left in limbo with the season on hold amid the coronavirus pandemic, with at least 53 of them due to become free agents at the end of June.
We’ve not included players who have confirmed a move elsewhere or have announce they’ll retire.
With some clubs not releasing contract lengths, the figure is probably much higher. Very worrying.
Bath Rugby (11)
- Henry Thomas
- Tom Homer
- Matt Garvey
- Josh Matavesi
- Will Chudley
- Aled Brew
- Freddie Burns
- Max Green
- Alex Davies
- Jackson Willison
- Levi Douglas
Bristol Bears (9)
- Shaun Malton
- Luke Daniels
- Jake Armstrong
- Joe Batley
- Sam Graham
- Tom Lindsay
- Jordan Lay
- James Lay
- Adrian Choat
- Ryan Edwards
- Ollie Dawe
Exeter Chiefs (5)
- Matt Kvesic
- Gareth Steenson
- Phil Dollman
- Stan South
- James Short
Gloucester (4)
- Owen Williams
- Josh Hohneck
- Charlie Sharples
- Matt Banahan