Statement: Jonny Gray has exited Exeter Chiefs with immediate effect - Ruck

Statement: Jonny Gray has exited Exeter Chiefs with immediate effect

Exeter Chiefs and lock Jonny Gray have mutually agreed an early release from the club, with the Scotsman departing Sandy Park with immediate effect to explore other playing opportunities.

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The Scottish international has made 48 Chiefs appearances, scoring 10 tries in the process.

During his four years at Sandy Park, Gray has been an integral part of many successes for Chiefs – including playing in both matches of the Gallagher Premiership and Heineken Champions Cup double of 2020.

“Jonny has been a big part of our journey in recent seasons,” Chiefs Director of Rugby Rob Baxter said. “He has been a great figure to have amongst our squad, with his international experience and the physicality he brings to games – his tackle stats speak for themselves.

“He has experienced some injury frustration during the end of his time with us, but I’m sure Jonny will do everything he can to come back stronger as he moves on to the next step of his rugby journey.

“I’d like to thank Jonny for everything he gave to the Chiefs shirt, and I know the club and fans will join me in wishing him all the best for the future.” 

Gray was originally lined up as Chiefs’ headline signing for the 2020/21 season before the COVID pandemic meant he debuted during the restructured conclusion of the 2019/20 campaign.

A product of Cambuslang Rugby Club, Gray followed older brother Richie into Glasgow Warriors colours in 2012. In eight years at Warriors’ Scotstoun home, Gray amassed 110 appearances, a Pro12 title and had the Warriors captaincy bestowed on him at the tender age of 21 following the retirement of his mentor, Al Kellock.

Joining a group of Scottish expats in Exeter in 2020 – Stuart Hogg, Sam Skinner and Sam Hidalgo-Clyne also represented Chiefs during Gray’s tenure – the Scotsman soon made his mark in a Chiefs shirt.

2025 Six Nations fixtures confirmed with England handed toughest possible start

England will kick off their 2025 Guinness Six Nations campaign with an away match at the Aviva Stadium against Ireland. 

Commenting on the 2025 Guinness Six Nations fixtures, Tom Harrison, CEO of Six Nations Rugby, said:

“The Guinness Men’s Six Nations is an appointment to view each year, delivering blockbuster entertainment for fans all over the world. The Championship never fails to deliver unpredictable excitement and experiences for fans to look forward to and then savour. 

“The announcement of the next instalment of fixtures is always keenly anticipated by fans, and with tickets now available for the 2025 fixtures, coupled with extensive broadcast coverage of the games, fans can already begin looking forward to what is in store as the action for the remaining rounds of this year’s Championship plays out.”

2025 Siz Nations Fixtures

ROUND 1

  • Friday 31 January
    • France vs Wales – 8.15pm
  • Saturday 1 February
    • Scotland vs Italy – 2.15pm
    • Ireland vs England – 4.45pm
Jamison Gibson-Park of Ireland spins the ball out during the Autumn Nations Cup match between England and Ireland at Twickenham Stadium, Twickenham, London on November 21 2020. – PHOTO: Phil Mingo/PPAUK

ROUND 2

  • Saturday 8 February
    • Italy vs Wales – 2.15pm
    • England vs France – 4.45pm
  • Sunday 9 February
    • Scotland vs Ireland – 3pm

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