"We won't stand in his way" - Exeter Chiefs forward quits club early for move to France
Rugby NewsFriday, 01 July 2022 at 15:34
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.
“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
Jordon Poole - unknown
Alfie Petch - Northampton Saints
Sam Skinner - Edinburgh
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
Jonny Hill - Sale Sharks
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
Tom O Flaherty - Sale Sharks
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
Aaron Hinkley - Northampton Saints
Sean Lonsdale - Dragons
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
Sam Nixon - Grenoble
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
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