Exeter Chiefs confirm seven departures ahead of 2022/23 season

Wednesday, 04 May 2022 at 12:02

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byRugby Rucker

With the salary cap set to be reduced, Exeter Chiefs boss Rob Baxter has been forced into a bit of a clearout with seven stars already confirming their departures.

#1. Sam Nixon to Grenoble

The tighthead prop will leave Exeter Chiefs after just a single season for a move to French Pro D2 side Grenoble, both clubs have confirmed. The 25-year-old joined the Chiefs ahead of the 2021/22 season from Bayonne where he played 24 games in the French Top 14.

Debutant player Sam Nixon during the Gallagher Premiership rugby game between Leicester Tigers and Exeter Chiefs at Welford Road on Sept 18th - PHOTO: Steve Bond/PPAUK

#2. Sam Skinner to Edinburgh

Scotland international Skinner – who will join the Scottish capital club next season – has started nine of his 15 Tests to date since he burst onto the scene with a player of the match winning international debut against Fiji at Murrayfield in 2018.

Sam Skinner of Exeter Chiefs enjoying a Red Bull ahead of the Exeter Chiefs training session at Sandy Park ahead of the second leg of Heineken Champions Cup match between Munster Rugby and Exeter Chiefs - 13th April 2022. Photo: Phil Mingo/PPAUK

#3. Jonny Hill to Sale Sharks

Sale Sharks have announced that British and Irish Lions and England lock has signed a long-term contract to join the club ahead of the 2022/23 Premiership season. The 27-year-old, who stands at 6ft7ins, has established himself as one of the most dynamic second-rows in the league having made over a century of appearances for Exeter Chiefs.

Exeter Chiefs player Jonny Hill goes over for a try to give them the lead during the Gallagher Premiership Match between Wasps and Exeter Chiefs at the Coventry Building Society Arena, Coventry on October 16th - PHOTO: Steve Bond/PPAUK

#4. Tom O'Flaherty to Sale Sharks

O’Flaherty will join Alex Sanderson’s squad at the end of the season. The prolific 27-year-old has put pen to paper on a three-year deal.

Tom O'Flaherty of Exeter Chiefs on the break during the Gallagher Premiership match between Exeter Chiefs and Bath Rugby at Sandy Park on 2nd April 2022. Photo: Phil Mingo/PPAUK

#5. Sam Hidalgo-Clyne (Benetton)

The 28-year-old moved to Sandy Park in the summer of 2020 from Lyon and helped the Chiefs win the Premiership and Champions Cup that year. But he has fallen down the pecking order at the club and will now head to Italy.

Sam Hidalgo-Clyne of Exeter Chiefs during the Exeter Chiefs training session at Sandy Park ahead of the second leg of Heineken Champions Cup match between Munster Rugby and Exeter Chiefs - 13th April 2022. Photo: Phil Mingo/PPAUK

#6. Don Armand (Retiring)

After 193 appearances and 37 tries, Armand is now calling time on his nine-year stint at Sandy Park and will focus his attentions on family life and business matters away from the club.

Don Armand of Exeter Chiefs on the break during the Gallagher Premiership match between Exeter Chiefs and Gloucester Rugby at Sandy Park on 12 February 2022. Photo: Phil Mingo/PPAUK

#7. Sean Lonsdale to Dragons

Welsh-qualified Lonsdale – who can also operate in the back row – will move to Rodney Parade for the start of the 2022/23 season after a six-year spell with English giants Exeter Chiefs.

Exeter Chiefs player Sean Lonsdale during the Gallagher Rugby Premiership game between Sale Sharks and Exeter Chiefs at JW Bell Stadium on October 3rd - PHOTO: Steve Bond/PPAUK