Exeter Chiefs release EIGHT players, including three experienced internationals

Paying tribute to all eight players, Baxter said: “Personally, I can’t thank each of these players enough for the efforts they have given to the club, both on and off the field.

"Each and every one of them has added something to our group, whether it be over a handful of games or – in some cases – over 100 games.

“They have been part and parcel of a playing group who have taken this club onwards and upwards, earning the respect of not only us as coaches, but their team-mates and supporters alike.

"We wish all of them the very best for the future and will remember them for being true Exeter Chiefs players.”

Tomas Francis (Ospreys) - The 28-year-old tighthead-prop will link up with the Welsh region for the 2021-22 season. Francis has won 52 caps and needed to come back to Wales to continue his international career.

Alex Cuthbert - The Ospreys have also reportedly completed a deal to bring the winger back to Welsh rugby. The Liberty Stadium region will confirm this week that they have signed the Wales and British and Irish Lions wing, according to The Rugby Paper.

James Short (winger) - In recent seasons, Short has found first team opportunities limited due to the form for Jack Nowell, Olly Woodburn, Tom O'Flaherty and Alex Cuthbert, but he remained a hard-working winger, who can step into the fold if called upon by Baxter.

Elvis Taione (Ospreys) - The hooker had been with the Chiefs since 2014 joining them from Jersey Reds and has gone on to make 81 appearances for the club scoring seven tries. Ospreys were linked with a move for the Tongan two weeks ago and the move has been confirmed.

Tom Price - The second-row made his Chiefs debut in the Premiership Rugby Cup clash against Harlequins in February 2020 and marked the occasion by scoring two tries.

Joe Snow - The young scrum-half has been attracting the interest of Saracens who are bidding for a return to the Premiership and another club based in the Coventry area – Wasps.

Barry Karea - Oddly, Karea is studying for a Sports Coaching degree at Cardiff Met University rather than at the local university in Exeter, which may suggest a move to the Welsh capital in the near future.

Charlie Wright - The former Honiton School pupil was brought to the attention of the Chiefs by former player Tom Skelding, before he continued his education working within the Academy set-up at Exeter College. Although two serious shoulder injuries have stunted his progress in recent times, Wright hopes to be back in competitive action this season.