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Exclusive: England back-row Don Armand makes decision over Exeter Chiefs future
By Alex Shaw
Despite being linked with a number of Top 14 clubs in recent weeks, RugbyPass understands that Exeter Chiefs back-rower Don Armand has agreed to extend his stay in the south-west.
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There were fears in the summer when Rob Baxter admitted that the club might not be able to re-sign all of their players this coming season that Armand might have been one of the players heading for the door.
With the interest from French clubs real and Armand’s opportunities with England only seeming to come when Eddie Jones and his side are enduring a number of injuries, a lucrative move to the Top 14 was not out of the question.
Nevertheless, it seems as though Armand has come to an agreement with Exeter and that his re-signing will be finalised and announced in the coming weeks, keeping the club’s resources in the back-row strong going into the 2019/20 season.
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Since arriving in Devon in 2013, Armand has turned out 87 times for the Chiefs, as well as representing the England Saxons and making two appearances for the senior England side. With a win rate of 74% with Armand on the pitch and his versatility to play across all three back-row positions, it’s understandable why the club have made re-signing him one of their key priorities for the 2018/19 season.
Despite not being one of Jones’ favoured lieutenants in the white of England, by committing to staying in the Premiership beyond the Rugby World Cup, Armand has certainly not hurt his chances of a call-up this season, as England prepare to head out to Japan next year.
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As reported on Monday by RugbyPass, scrum-half Stu Townsend could be one of the players who leaves Sandy Park at the end of this season, as Exeter battle to stay under the salary cap and maintain a squad with the quality and depth that is the envy of but a handful of clubs in the UK and Ireland.
In other news: Consortium complete successful takeover of Gallagher Premiership club Worcester Warriors.