Rob Baxter expands on the reasons behind Josh Hodge's sudden exit

Rob Baxter has defended his decision to roll the dice and let full-back Josh Hodge leave for Newcastle Red Bulls immediately, despite his side’s pursuit of European Challenge Cup and Gallagher PREM honours.

The Chiefs announced in December that Hodge would be returning to his former club next season, but they are allowing him to leave now after signing off with his 92nd appearance in the PREM Rugby Cup Final defeat against Leicester Tigers.

Baxter believes he has plenty of cover in a position that Olly Woodburn has excelled in this season, while he also has cover in Dan John, Will Haydon-Wood, and even believes Campbell Ridl could slot in at a push.

“It’s always a gamble. Every decision you make in some ways is a gamble, whether it’s letting the player go at the end of the season or whatever, they’re all kind of gambles, and it’s just weighing up the pros and cons of how you want things to work.

“There’s no real drama or issues about it. If we have a couple of injuries, you know, it could easily turn around and go that was a mistake. But at the same time, if we run through to the end of the season, Olly Woodburn plays great.

“Dan John covers really well. We think Campbell Ridl could do a good job for us there as well, when you think how good he’s been, with Paul Brown-Bampoe and Manny (Feyi-Waboso) fit as well.

“We’ve more options than people probably realise. Tom Wyatt, we are hoping maybe he’ll be there towards the end of the season, but if not, he’ll be back early next season.

“Will Hayden Wood has played quite a lot there this year, so it’s not like we have nobody left. I think when you weigh all things up, it’s an okay decision.”

Baxter says the move will free up funds and that it was a decision that suited Hodge, the Chiefs, and Newcastle Red Bulls, who recently lost former Wales and Lions player Liam Williams to retirement.

“It kind of takes his salary off our books. It allows us to use that to extend some contracts early for others, including some of our top academy players. And so, it was just a sensible decision, and that’s it.

“There’s no fault or blame being thrown around anywhere. It was done very amicably across all three parties, and I think it suits everybody,” added Baxter.