Jack Innard quits Exeter for West Country rivals

Jack Innard has become the latest player to quit Exeter Chiefs when his contract runs out at the end of the season, to make room for Rob Baxter’s foreign legion.

It’s already been announced that Dan Frost is joining West Country rivals Bath, who visit Sandy Park in the Premiership Cup Final this weekend.

Wales-qualified Innard, 29, has been the third choice in the middle of the Chiefs’ front row this season, with Frost and veteran skipper Jack Yeandle, who is also out of contract this summer, the preferred options.

The Chiefs are set to replace him and Frost with Springbok Joseph Dweba, when his Stormers deal ends this summer.

Meanwhile, England-qualified Julian Heaven is set to join from the NSW Waratahs, along with fellow Australians Len Ikitau and Tom Hooper, and scrum-half Jake Gordon could also be on his way to Devon.

Truro-born former England under-20 international Innard, 29, who scored two tries in the 2018 Anglo-Welsh Cup win over Bath, joined the Chiefs in 2013 and had loan spells at Launceston, Cornish Pirates and Plymouth Albion.

He has made 12 appearances for the Chiefs this season, and last played when he scored a try in the win over Saracens at the end of January. However, he’ll play at Gloucester next season after signing a two-year deal.

Innard had been linked with a move to Japan and had also been on Warren Gatland’s radar for a shock call-up for the Six Nations campaign until Wales changed coach after the round two defeat against Italy.

Welsh regions were also taking a look at him, but Gloucester have beaten them in the race as they line him up to replace George McGuigan, who has only just returned from a long-term injury.

Innard will challenge Seb Blake and Jack Singleton, who have been the Cherry and Whites’ first choice hookers this season.