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Exeter confirm midfield signing despite Super Rugby injury setback

By Liam Heagney
Tamati Tua has joined Exeter from the Brumbies (Photo by Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images for Super Rugby)

Rob Baxter has bolstered Exeter with the signing of Brumbies’ Tamati Tua for the 2024/25 season, as per July’s RugbyPass exclusive transfer story. However, Chiefs fans will have to wait a while before the Super Rugby Pacific recruit is available for selection as he arrived in England with a neck injury that will need an operation.

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A statement read: “Exeter Chiefs have added powerful centre and former Junior All Black, Tamati Tua, to their ranks ahead of the 2024/25 season. The talented New Zealander makes the switch to the Gallagher Premiership from Australian Super Rugby side ACT Brumbies, for whom he made 31 appearances and scored five tries.

“Growing up in Kaitaia in north New Zealand, he started his rugby journey at a young age before his senior career began in 2016 with Northland, the National Provincial Championship side.

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“Following strong performances in over 60 appearances, his talent was recognised by Super Rugby Blues, who gave him his debut in 2018 against the Crusaders. Moving to the Brumbies in 2023, he formed a deadly partnership with Len Ikitau in the backline.”

Baxter said: “People will be aware that centre is a position that we have had great strength in over a number of years. Through age, and players moving on, that is slowly changed in terms of experience.

Fixture
Gallagher Premiership
Exeter Chiefs
10:05
21 Sep 24
Leicester
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“We have got some great young players in that position now with guys like Zack Wimbush, Ben Hammerlsey and Tommy Wyatt being able to play there, and a guy like Nick Lilley who has played England age-grades.

“So, we have got good players but they are younger and slightly inexperienced, so it’s an area we have been wanting to strengthen. We had a really good look at Tamati as he was playing very well for ACT Brumbies – he played right through to the late stages of the season – with him being one of their stand-out players.

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“Unfortunately, he has arrived with a neck issue which he picked up towards the end of last season’s campaign, so we are now in a position where we have had to address that and it’s likely that he will need an operation shortly which will require a period of rehab.

“So, unfortunately he is going to miss the start of the season for us, but we are very confident he will be back on the pitch fairly early in the season and will be a player that will bring an awful lot to how we want to play, both in attack and defence.”

Tua added: “I have always wanted to play overseas, and I had heard good things about the club from coaches and boys that had played in the Premiership before. I’m excited to be here and I’d like to do what I can to help to get more trophies in the cabinet.”

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Bull Shark 40 minutes ago
Why Rassie Erasmus should cull some Boks veterans for 2027

I think cull is the wrong word.


I think Rassie and the senior players will be pretty open and honest with each other about their prospects for another World Cup campaign. And, ironically, I don’t think Rassie is thinking as far ahead as 2027 in terms of who is going to go.


There are likely going to be injuries too where players one would assume will be at 2027 won’t feature. Think Marx and Am and 2023.


I think the priority is really having as many players as possible in contention for a spot on the 33 by the time squad selection comes around.


I made this point a while ago, but having double World Cup winners in the setup over the next 3 years is going to be golden for the boks. It’s like having a coach in each position.


Razor was criticized for having too many coaches in his team. Rassie has more than 15 player coaches at his disposal.


I think Siya is being teed up to play the same role Duane did at the 2023 RWC. Invitation to the coaching box this coming weekend included.


I think many of the old guard are playing a role in the team that certainly does not guarantee them a 2027 place but doesn’t hurt their chances at being selected - but they will have to be the no.1 or no. 2 best in that position to be selected at that time. There won’t be any dead weight - whether old or young.


In my mind the strategy would be quite simple. Take everyone who will be over 32 by 2027 and pencil their names in right now in slot number three for their relative position. We know what they can do and they know what they need to do to be in contention for 2027.


Then ask yourself who do we have to take position no.1 and no. 2. Tried and tested or not. Find them and trial them over the next 3 years. Their job is to keep the old guys out. And the old guys job is to help them do just that.


That’s what Rassie has to do and has started well trying 48 players and 11 debutants in year one as the article mentioned (and winning).


I reckon there’ll be another 5-10 new players tried by the end of this year, particularly in November.


2024 ✅

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