Exeter Chiefs have bolstered their attacking options ahead of the new 2022/23 season with the addition of Tongan international Solomone Kata.
Initially signed on a one-year deal, the powerful back arrives in Devon from Super Rugby franchise, Moana Pasifika, and immediately offers a huge physical threat to the Chiefs back division.
Born in Neiafu in Tonga, Kata moved to New Zealand in 2011 to take up a rugby scholarship at Sacred Heart College in Auckland. And it didn’t take long for his talents to be spotted, linking up with National Rugby League sides, New Zealand Warriors and then Melbourne Storm, before switching to the 15-man game.
“He’s explosive, he’s dangerous and he’s a quality player,” said Rob Baxter.
“Obviously, he’s just got it so he will take a few days to get up to speed, but you can tell by meeting him that he’s already settling in well to the group and will give us those options we need in midfield.
“It’s no secret that Ollie Devoto is still some way away from returning, Henry [Slade] and Hendo [Tom Hendrickson] are still recovering from operations too, so we were looking a bit thin in that area.
"That said, when a guy of Sol’s quality comes onto the market, we had a good look at him – we liked what we saw – and we’ve brought him here. It’s over to him now to get on the field and show us what he can do.
“Talking to him, you get that feeling that’s he’s up for a new challenge. He’s here now and he’s ready to go. In an ideal world, we would have liked to have signed him for more than a year, but he said ‘I’ll take the year, I’ll take my chance’ because he does think he will take-off over here. We will see what happens then."
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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."
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- Jordie Barrett over Damian de Allende is far from being correct. The hype around Dupont is also overreaching, he's probably 4th in the world and has been since the 2023 WC. He also avoids certain matchups which is strange. The rest of the list is pretty good apart from minor subjective biases.JasonMarlow16-09-2026
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