Exeter Chiefs grant early release for Will Witty

Exeter Chiefs have announced that lock Will Witty has been released from his contract ahead of the 2022/23 season.

The 27-year-old featured for Blaydon and Newcastle Falcons before joining Exeter Chiefs in 2019 and since then has gone on to make 30 appearances for the club scoring five tries.

A former England Under 20 international, Witty will now switch to French club Perpignan ahead of the new Top 14 season.

“It was a tough decision to make in terms of my career. Coming to a top club like Exeter was like a dream come true for me and I leave having made some amazing memories," he told the club's official website.

“I’ll be forever grateful to Rob, Ali and the rest of the coaches for giving me the opportunity to come to Exeter. It’s been an amazing few years and I’ve made life-long friends.

"Now, I’ve got a new challenge in France. It’s kind of been a whirlwind few days getting things sorted, but I am looking forward to testing myself in the Top 14 and seeing how I go over there.”

Exeter Chiefs director of rugby Rob Baxter wished Witty good luck on his career with Perpignan.

"Will approached me and asked if he could be released from his contract early as an opportunity to play over in France had arisen for him.

"Like any player, Will wants to play regular rugby and with such competition in our back five, the challenge is always going to be there for him.

“Since he arrived from Newcastle in 2019, he’s been a great servant to the club, on and off the field, and has brought some real quality and commitment to the squad.

"As I said, I never want to stand in the way of any player who feels they can progress their career, and he leaves the club with our very best wishes for the future.”