Len Ikitau is looking likely to be joining Exeter Chiefs for the 25/26 Premiership season
Exeter Chiefs director of rugby Rob Baxter has confirmed the club are ‘very close to announcing’ some of their headline transfer dealings, which could come in the next week.
The Devonians have been heavily linked with Springboks hooker Joseph Dweba and Wallabies duo Len Ikitau and Jake Gordon, but as of yet have only confirmed the signing of Tom Hooper for next season.
Rob Baxter addresses talk of Springboks and Wallabies signings
Recruitment has quickly become a major talking point amongst the Exeter faithful, with the club currently languishing in ninth in the Premiership table and look set for a third successive year outside of the play-off spots.
Things have only heightened with the club confirming the departure of Dan Frost, and rumours have also begun to emerge linking academy graduates and now regular first-team members Marcus Street and Richard Capstick with a move away from Sandy Park.
But further reports suggest things could soon be about to change on that front, and the respected DoR has added fuel to that fire by claiming things could be announced sooner rather than later.
“All our potential signings and recruitment are going to be announced over the next week,” Baxter told members of the media ahead of his side’s Premiership Cup clash with Sale Sharks this weekend.
He added: “We’ve got two or three overseas players who we’re very close to announcing. I’m really pleased with how things are shaping up. We look like we can be a very, very competitive group when we get everyone on the pitch. I’m really excited about where we look like we’re heading.”
Exeter are currently in the market for a new hooker, scrum-half and centre, so these major recruits make sense. Starter Frost is on his way to Bath for next season and club stalwart Jack Yeandle is currently not under contract for 2025/26 and could be set to leave the club after 12 seasons.
When asked specifically about Stormers hooker Dweba, who was first linked with a switch to Sandy Park earlier this month, Baxter responded: “I’ll let you know next week.”
Scrum-half issues
Scrum-half has been a trickier area for the Chiefs to bolster ahead of next season. They initially looked to bring in Sale Sharks ace Raffi Quirke, but he is set to extend his stay at the Salford Community Stadium, and Exeter have now set their sights on Wallabies star Gordon.
Commenting on the Waratahs man, Baxter said: “At nine, people are aware we’re looking to add some experience and quality there, and Jake Gordon fits that bill. He’s a very good player who has come to prominence in the last three or four years both at his club and internationally.”
Ikitau is another player the Chiefs have set their sights on to join next season to fill their void in midfield. Joe Hawkins is expected to leave and Will Rigg and Tamati Tua not included in Exeter’s list of players confirmed for next season, and touching on this Baxter said, with a wry grin: “He’s a fantastic player and one we’d love to have here at Exeter.”
He added: “The trouble is, I can’t really say too much about any of these things. At the moment, it’s just out there.”
