Exeter Chiefs finally convince Harry Wilson to sign for club

Exeter Chiefs boss Rob Baxter has finally got his man after persuading Saracens lock Harry Wilson to make the move to Sandy Park next season.

RugbyPass reported last month that Baxter had signed Wilson, who has made 29 appearances for the North London outfit since moving from Rugby Champ side Doncaster Knights two years ago.

Baxter says he has been keeping an eye on Wilson, who has signed a two-year deal after he caught his attention playing for the Knights, where he was named in the Championship Dream Team.

And he says that Wilson, who started his career at Ampthill, will offer him versatility because he can also play in the back row and is an ideal replacement for Newcastle Red Bulls-bound Rus Tuima.

“Obviously, we know Rus Tuima is going to Newcastle, and we know we’ve got a couple of young locks who could be useful, potentially in Joe Bailey and Oscar Beckerleg.

“But it’s really making sure that our frontline group, week by week, has the strength to perform week by week. The pleasing thing for me this season is that we look like we’re back to being competitive across all competitions.

“To do that, you have to be able to make changes and use your squad, and a guy like Harry Wilson kind of just fits into that group. He’s proven that in his time in the PREM that he can play second row and back row.

“That will be important for us, because if you look at the makeup of our squads, we are playing with two big back rowers as well, alongside either Greg (Fisilau) or Kane (James).

“That’s kind of our formula going forward, and I think he fits right into that playing group really, really well. You know, I’ve watched him for a long time when he was at Doncaster. I thought he was a very good player there.

“He was one of the standout forwards in the Championship and at the time it didn’t really work for us to bring him in, but, you know, I’ve kept an eye on him, and I have been impressed with the way he has played at Saracens.

“He’s got good physicality, you know, always contributes a lot when he comes off the bench or when he’s involved. And I just think he’s going to be a good signing for us,” said Baxter.

Wilson said: “When I spoke to Rob about joining Chiefs, the first thing that stood out for me was the physical nature of how he wanted the team to play. I really wanted to add to and be a part of that.

“It seems that this is a tightly bonded squad and one that wants to bring silverware back to Sandy Park. I’d really like to contribute to taking Exeter back to the top.

“It was an extremely tough decision to leave Saracens, but I want to express how grateful I am to Mark and the club for giving me the opportunity to return to playing in the Premiership and play for this prestigious club.”