Exeter Chiefs retain Wallaby’s services after failing to sign Reds star
Reds-hunter-Paisami-and-exeter-chiefs-scott-si
The Exeter Chiefs have confirmed that Wallabies prop Scott Sio has signed a new contract at the Premiership club.
This comes after the Chiefs failed in their attempt to lure countryman Hunter Paisami to the club.
Sio arrived at Sandy Park in the summer of 2022 and has flourished in the Chiefs front-row.
A boost for Exeter Chiefs
The experienced prop’s re-signing is a massive boost for the club packed with youth.
Having already racked up over 40 appearances for Exeter, Sio is excited to continue his career at the Chiefs.
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“I’m really excited to be staying on at Chiefs and to see what the future holds for this group,” he said.
“There are lots of younger players coming through, and I hope to continue to be part of their development while also growing as a player and person here in Exeter.
“The club wants to contend for trophies and be successful, which is something I want to be a part of and is a big reason for my re-signing.”
The 32-year-old played 74 internationals for Australia before heading to the Northern Hemisphere and racked up 143 appearances for the ACT Brumbies.
He played a pivotal role in the Brumbies’ run to the 2013 Super Rugby final and started the 2015 World Cup final against the All Blacks.
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Delight for Exeter and star re-signings
“We’re really pleased Scott has decided to commit to staying at the club,” said director of rugby Rob Baxter said.
“He’s become a key player for us, both in the way he plays – our scrum and lineout have become such key areas and a real strength this season – but also in the level of strength and leadership, he brings, particularly in the way he works with our young guys.
“He’s also doing what we’ve seen from guys like Henry Slade – he’s training and playing like a young man. He’s got a lot of energy around the place and those attributes are invaluable.
“We’re delighted to keep him on board as we think he can be a really important part of where we want to go as a club, and I can only see him improving and continuing to work extremely hard.”
While Exeter have missed out on Paisami, who signed a contract extension with the Reds and Rugby Australia, they have retained several of their key players ahead of the new season.
Niall Armstrong, Tommy Wyatt, Ben Hammersley, Sol Moody, Louie Sinclair and Lewis Pearson have all signed new deals at the club.
As have star men Rusi Tuima and Immanuel Feyi-Waboso who have enjoyed breakthrough seasons.
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