Will Butt to leave Bath for West Country rivals

Bath inside-centre Will Butt will be making the move to Exeter Chiefs after signing a three-year contract with the Sandy Park outfit to become Rob Baxter’s second confirmed signing ahead of next season.

RugbyPass exclusively broke the news in December that Butt was on his way to the Devon side, and the announcement of his arrival comes just days after it was revealed that Will Rigg is joining Newcastle Red Bulls.

Georgian powerhouse loosehead Nika Abuladze became their first signing, while Saracens lock Harry Wilson, who was named in the Championship Dream Team when he played for Doncaster Knights, is also heading to the South-West.

Butt, 25, who was capped by England A against Ireland A in February, was part of the Bath team that won the Premiership Rugby Cup Final against the Chiefs and their Challenge Cup final victory over Lyon.

Educated at Canford School and later at the University of Bath, where he played in BUCS Super Rugby, in May 2021, he equalled Coventry’s club record of four tries in a match against Jersey Reds.

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Chiefs boss Baxter is confident that Butt, who has scored four tries in nine games for Bath this season, will improve his side when his deal at The Rec runs out at the end of June.

“He’s a big physical guy. I think he’s played a lot of rugby in a good side. He understands how Bath play and understands the tactical side of what they need from him.

“He’s had some very, very good games. Again, but in a very, very competitive squad. So, you know, we feel he’s got the right combination of size, strength and skill base that we think will improve us.

“So I’m looking forward to getting him. He’s here on a three-year deal. So, he’ll be tied down a long term once he arrives,” he said.

Butt added: “I’m incredibly excited to be joining Chiefs next season. They’re a team that have achieved a huge amount in the last 10 years and look to be building something special once again.

“I’m looking forward to being a part of the group and contributing to the team in any way that I can.”