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Exeter Chief's 20-player exodus headlined by 141-cap trio

Christ Tshiunza of Exeter Chiefs is tackled by Tarek Haffar and James O’Connor of Leicester Tigers during the PREM Rugby Cup match between Leicester Tigers and Exeter Chiefs at Mattioli Woods Welford Road Stadium on March 15, 2026 in Leicester, England. (Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images)
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Exeter Chiefs have confirmed a list of 20 departing players at the end of the season, with a trio of international stars among the headline exits from Sandy Park.

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Fifty-cap Wallabies centre Len Ikitau, 76-cap international prop Scott Sio and 15-cap Wales forward Christ Tshiunza will all move on as Exeter continue to reshape their squad.

Ikitau will return home to join the Brumbies after a season with the Chiefs, but has hinted at a future return to the club after the 2027 World Cup on home soil.

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Veteran loosehead Sio is also heading for a new challenge, joining Cardiff in the United Rugby Championship. The 34-year-old brings to an end his time in Devon after four years, during which time he has switched national allegiance, earning two caps for Samoa last year.

Tshiunza, meanwhile, will remain in the Gallagher PREM after agreeing a move to Sale Sharks. The 24-year-old Wales international has will be hoping to put a couple of injury-plagued seasons behind him with his move north.

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Exeter Chiefs
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Among the other notable departures are lock Rusi Tuima and centre Will Rigg, who will both join Newcastle Red Bulls, while academy products Louie Sinclair and Sol Moody have signed for Bristol Bears.

A number of younger players are also moving on following loan spells away from Sandy Park. Scrum-half Will Becconsall, centre Harry Ascherl and back-row Jack Forsythe will all continue their careers with Cornish Pirates, while fly-half Iwan Jenkins has made his move to Plymouth Albion permanent.

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Tamati Tua, Orson James, Kian Gentry, Khwezi Mona, Kwenzo Blose, Alfie Bell, Martin Moloney, Charlie Chapman and Dan John are also among those leaving the club.

The players can end their careers at Sandy Park on a high, with the club hosting Saracens in the final round of the regular season this weekend in what is effectively a winner-takes-it-all clash with a quarter-final place on the line.

“I’d like to thank all the players leaving us for being a part of the Chiefs journey,” Baxter said.

“This season has been an enjoyable one for all of us, as the boys have pushed themselves in all three competitions, creating some truly special memories.

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“All of our leavers have contributed to a strong, tight-knit environment and I know I speak for everyone at the club when I say we wish them all the very best in the future.”

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