Rob Baxter explains why Len Ikitau is such a key signing for Exeter

Exeter Chiefs boss Rob Baxter believes that Len Ikitau is the most significant signing he has made since bringing another Wallaby star, Nic White, to Sandy Park eight years ago.

Wallaby inside centre Ikitau will join the Chiefs later this year on a nine-month deal and becomes the third Australian to sign for the Chiefs in recent months after hooker Julian Heaven and back-row Tom Hooper.

They will join Springbok hooker Joseph Dweba, Gloucester scrum-half Charlie Chapman and Italy scrum-half Stephen Varney, who have also agreed to move to Devon later this summer.

It is believed that Rugby Australia will release the 39-cap Brumbies ace Ikitau during the Autumn Nations Series after playing against England, Italy and Ireland to take up his £400,000 short-term deal with the Chiefs.

Baxter hopes that Ikitau, who has scored four tries, including a hat-trick against Fijian Drua, in seven appearances this season, will help the Chiefs grow back into a leading Premiership club.

“This is part of us growing. Stuart Hogg and Johnny Gray were almost finishing off a squad to try and win the European Cup. But for me, this is more of a part of our growth, like when we bought in Nic (White) and Dean (Mumm),” he said.

“That was to drive us up the Premiership and make us competitive in the Premiership in top-end Premiership games.

“Once we are at the right end of the table, it’s the type of signing that drives you over the edge.

“It’s just something that we need to keep moving the team forward. In the past, we have always tried to mix up what the squad looks and feels like, and that’s something we have grown with and done really well.

“But we haven’t been able to do that for the last two or three years because we haven’t been in a position financially to do it, but things have improved, and we can now make those moves.

“Len Ikitau is one of those players that you like pretty much everything he does. He makes space for other people. I think the way he scores tries, he is a good defender.

“He can play inside and outside centre to an international standard. In all the interactions I’ve had with him, he seems like a genuine family man. There is not a lot I’ve seen there not to like,” added Baxter.

As for the Brisbane-born Brumbies player himself, Ikitau is looking forward to the new challenge when the time comes.

“My family considers us very lucky to get to have this experience abroad with a club that is so iconic and respected, not to mention a place that loves its rugby with passionate fans,” the 26-year-old said.

“Speaking to Rob and hearing his plans for the club and his willingness to work with Rugby Australia for my long-term development made me confident the move was the right one.

“Rob and the coaching staff have challenged me to take the next step as an on-field leader to drive success for the club. We are very excited to start our UK adventure, and we’re looking forward to meeting all the loyal fans.”