Exeter Chiefs have bolstered their front-row options ahead of the new 2022/23 season with the signing of experienced Australian international Scott Sio.
The 30-year-old loosehead is Rob Baxter’s latest new addition, joining the club on a long-term deal from Super Rugby side, the Brumbies.
After 11 seasons with the Brumbies, Sio – who has been capped 71 times by the Wallabies – says the ‘time is right’ for him to experience a new challenge and the Chiefs is just that opportunity as he readies himself for the demands of both England and European Rugby.
“I’m super excited about the move,” he said. “It’s something new, something fresh and I’m really looking forward to the challenge. I’ve spoken to a few boys about the club and all of them have talked it up and said it’s a great place to go and play rugby.
“Having been at the Brumbies for so long, it’s going to be a different challenge of course, but it’s one that I feel I need. I’ve played over in England and Europe before at Test level, but having that weekly challenge is going to be something new.”
Sio has watched from afar games in both the Gallagher Premiership and Heineken Champions Cup and admits at being somewhat envious at the games being played out.
“It’s going to be good coming up against some of the best teams in Europe,” he added. “Watching the Champions Cup you can see it’s a pretty special competition and I know the Premiership is going to be just as tough.
“It’s going to be physical and a lot is put on you as a forward, but that’s one of the things that attracted me to coming over. I wanted to test myself in a new team and a new environment.”
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EXETER CHIEFS INCOMING SIGNINGS, PREMS ONLY 'OUT' PLAYER:.
#1. Reuben van Heerden from Sharks
Rob Baxter has moved to find replacements for Jonny Hill, Sam Skinner and Sean Lonsdale with the Devon side set to add 24-year-old lock early next week, according to The Rugby Paper.
#2. Jack Dunne from Leinster
At the end of his current deal in Leinster blue, Dunne will link up with the Exeter Chiefs as he looks to make the next step of his career in professional rugby.
Just under 12 months ago, the lock came out as bisexual, earning widespread support for his courageous step in professional rugby.
#3. Rory O'Loughlin from Leinster
The 28-year-old Irish international will head to the Gallagher Premiership club next season after eight years featuring for Leinster, whom he has helped to both domestic and European success.
His switch across the Irish Sea will mark his first foray away from his homeland, but it’s a move the player himself insists ticks all the boxes in terms of his career and family life.Rory O'Loughlin in action for Leinster against the Exeter Chiefs
“I’ve been very lucky to be at Leinster for the past eight years, but this is a new and exciting challenge for me,” said O’Loughlin, who has made 92 appearances for Leinster, scoring 105 points to date.
“Having come up against Exeter in the past, plus watching from afar, I’ve seen the success they’ve had and the squad they have built.
“Heading over to Exeter, it’s a move that really excites me and one that comes at the right time in my career. Exeter play a great brand of rugby, one in which they like to get the ball into space, and they really look to go after and attack the opposition.
#4. Aidon Davis from Free State Cheetahs
A Junior Springbok loose forward, Davis has played the majority of his rugby in his native homeland, but he did enjoy a two-year stint in France where he impressed for both Toulon and Bayonne.
At 1,95m and a meaty 110 kg he will add plenty to a pack already with a reputation for muscular domination, as he joins former youth team-mates Jannes Kirsten and Jacques Vermeulen.
#5. Iestyn Harris from Cardiff
The hooker's Cardiff contract was due to expire in the summer and he was not offered a new deal.
"Talking with Iestyn, he just looks like one of those guys who has an ambition, a dream, a drive, to be the best player he can be," said Baxter.
Harris is in the final stages of recovering from a shoulder injury.
"I am really excited about the move," he said.
"It's a huge opportunity for me and I'm really looking forward to the future."
#6. Solomone Kata from Moana Pasifika
It was Exeter who won the race to the powerhouse speedsters signature, and head coach Rob Baxter was delighted.
“He is explosive, he’s dangerous and a quality player. Obviously, he has just got here so he will take a few days to get up to speed, but you can tell by meeting him that he is already settling in well to the group and will give us those options we need in midfield”
