Exeter Chiefs prop Harry Williams will reportedly be joining his teammates Luke Cowan-Dickie and Sam Simmonds, in their move to Montpellier come the end of the season. Williams is the latest reported departure in the mass player exodus from Sandy Park, as the Chiefs’ financial struggles continue.
Devon Live and The Rugby Paper state that the 31-year-old is rumoured to be planning a move to the south of France, after months of speculation. Exeter Chiefs have had to let numerous first team stars go come the end of the season, as the Devonshire club is financially unable to match the wage offers presented from the bidding overseas clubs.
In what Jack Nowell describes as “the end of an era”, Exeter Chiefs fans may be unfortunately saying their goodbyes to the aforementioned trio of Cowan-Dickie, Sam Simmonds and Harry Williams to Montpellier, with Dave Ewers joining Ulster, Joe Simmonds linked with a move to Pau. Ruben Van Heerden has already completed his move home to South Africa, with the DHL Stormers.
Williams has been a mainstay with the Chiefs since 2015, after crossing the English Channel and arriving from Championship side Jersey. He has made 161 appearances for the Chiefs, and has three decorated winners medals with the club. The prop was a pivotal front-row pillar for Exeter’s first ever Premiership title in 2016/17, and the 2020 Premiership and Heineken Champions Cup double.
Last month, Exeter Chiefs Director of Rugby Rob Baxter discussed Williams future at Sandy Park with Devon Live.
“He’s another one of those guys who’s got an option in his contract. It’s a two-way option, club and player, which means he may well be looking around at options as two or three other of our lads who had options in their last year have done,
“We’re obviously in communication along those lines, I know which players have got options so I’m keeping our options open and available as to what may or may not happen.”
Five other England stars won’t be able to play again after the 2023 World Cup
Five England international rugby players will not be able to represent their country in the iconic white jersey after announcing their move to France following the 2023 Rugby World Cup.
#1. David Ribbans
Northampton Saints have confirmed that the forward will depart the Club at the end of the 2022/23 season. Reports suggest he will join Toulon.
The 27-year-old lock has pulled on the Black, Green and Gold jersey 115 times to date, starting 98 matches for Northampton and scoring 17 tries so far.
“As a coaching group, we are very proud of the progress Dave has made during his time at Saints,” said Director of Rugby, Phil Dowson.
“He arrived in Northampton as a 21-year-old without many Super Rugby appearances to his name. He will leave as a fully-fledged England international and a proven performer in the Gallagher Premiership, one of the most attritional and competitive leagues in the world.
“You always want to create an environment for players where they can work hard, thrive, win matches and be successful on the international stage. Sometimes, that means players become attractive propositions for other clubs.
“Dave leaves to pursue a playing opportunity in France next season. It’s disappointing to lose a player of his calibre, and we were surprised Dave wanted to leave the Club at this time.
“But he is of course a professional, and will be putting all his efforts in his final months in Northampton to ensure the team is as successful as possible. We will wish him well after that.”
