"We won't stand in his way" - Exeter Chiefs forward quits club early for move to France - Ruck

“We won’t stand in his way” – Exeter Chiefs forward quits club early for move to France

Exeter Chiefs have today agreed to release Will Witty from his contract with the Gallagher Premiership club.

An opportunity has arisen for the 27-year-old forward to join French Top 14 side Perpignan ahead of the 2022/23 season.

Yorkshireman Witty, who becomes the clubs 12th departure, joined the Chiefs back in 2019 from Newcastle Falcons and went on to make 30 appearances for the Devon club, scoring five tries.

Director of Rugby, Rob Baxter, said: “Will approached me and asked if he could be released from his contract early as an opportunity to play over in France had arisen for him.

“Like any player, Will wants to play regular rugby and with such competition in our back five, the challenge is always going to be there for him.

https://twitter.com/ExeterChiefs/status/1542795722805940225

“Since he arrived from Newcastle in 2019, he’s been a great servant to the club, on and off the field, and has brought some real quality and commitment to the squad.

“As I said, I never want to stand in the way of any player who feels they can progress their career, and he leaves the club with our very best wishes for the future.”

Exeter Chiefs’ confirmed departing players are:

Don Armand – retiring

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

Sam Hidalgo Clyne – Benetton Rugby

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

Jack Walsh – Ospreys

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