Baxter's joy at TJ deal

 

By Mark Stevens

Exeter Chiefs head coach Rob Baxter has spoken of his delight after England international Tom Johnson today agreed a new one-year deal with the club.

As one of a number of high-profile Chiefs players out of contract at the end of the current campaign, Baxter has moved swiftly to ensure the talented back-row forward will be remaining at Sandy Park.

Extending Johnson's stay in the Westcountry into a sixth year, Baxter said: "As a club we're delighted that TJ has extended his contract with us for another year, this despite a lot of talk in newspapers and gossip columns linking him with a move elsewhere.

"As a club there has never been any issues with regards to him moving on, what has taken the time has been more discussing personal terms and making sure things are right for both ourselves and TJ."

Since his arrival during the summer of 2007 from then National One counterparts Coventry, Johnson has quickly instilled himself as not only a fans' favourite, but also a popular member of the Chiefs playing staff.

With over 150 appearances to his name, as well as a collection of 30 tries, Baxter was quick to pay tribute to the 30-year-old's efforts over the years.

"TJ's played a key part in our move out of the Championship and then establishing ourselves in the Premiership," he said. "Not only have we seen him grow as a player, but off the field he is a great ambassador for the club as well.

"As I said, negotiations throughout have been very open on both sides and we're pleased to have him on board for another year at least. At no time did TJ ever express any desire to leave us, so when you have a player thinking like that it's often very easy to get things sorted quickly and without too much hassle."

Although Johnson is currently sidelined with a knee injury sustained in the Heineken Cup clash with Leinster last month, Baxter has seen closely the progress made by the player, not just within the Premiership, but also on the international stage with England where he now has five caps to his name.

"We're always delighted when any of our players get international recognition," added Baxter. "TJ, we know, has worked incredibly hard to get into the current England set-up and in time we hope even more of our guys follow suit.

"I know from speaking to [England coach] Stuart Lancaster myself that he sees the ambition of our club and of our players - and I am sure that in conversation with TJ he has probably expressed the same message to him. I think from our perspective it's great that TJ feels that he can remain ambitious and keep himself within the England picture by staying with us here at Exeter."

Johnson's contract renewal caps a busy week for Baxter, who has also added current England Under-20s head coach Rob Hunter to his staff, as well as confirming the arrival next season of Gloucester scrum-half Dave Lewis.