England A star Richard Capstick turns down champions to stay at Chiefs

Richard Capstick has turned down a move to Premiership champions Northampton Saints to pen a new two-year deal with Exeter Chiefs.

Former England under-20 international Captick owns a pizza business in Taunton, where he started playing rugby as a schoolboy, and admits he always wanted to stay at Sandy Park.

“My family have been driving down here for years to support my career, so I always wanted to stay. This is my home. I want to achieve things at my home club,” said Capstick, who’s clocked up over 70 games for the club.

“I’ve always said some of my main aims were to play 100 games for this club, to win trophies and play with my mates. A lot of the boys I came through the academy with are still here, so I want to stay with them.

“I think we’re just at the start of our journey now as a group. I know we’ve had a tough season, but there have been some building blocks put in place this year that will help us move forward. I think the future will be brighter.”

Chiefs boss Rob Baxter is delighted to have seen off Saints and retained Capstick, who made an England A appearance against a strong Ireland A side at Ashton Gate last weekend.

“It’s fantastic to have Richard extending his stay with us. He’s had a very good season since his return from injury, as he’s proved to be very good across the back five of the scrum for us,” said Baxter.

“This season, he’s maturing well and taking on some roles like taking charge at the lineout and calling that set piece. His good individual form has led to him having some time with England A recently, which is great.

“He looks to be one of those guys who is still improving, taking on a bigger part in what we’re trying to do here. He’s one of those players who I think the best is still to come from as we grow, mature and move forward as a team.

“He’s a homegrown player who we’re really pleased is staying involved with us. Again, it’s a good sign that we think our squad is heading in the right direction.”