Butt enjoying his new environment

Summer 2026 marked a first for Will Butt. A Bath Rugby man since just 14-years-old in the academy, he arrived for day one of pre-season to a new team, a new stadium, a new city.“

It’s different, and it’s taken a bit of getting used to because you just become accustomed to a certain way of doing things. It’s been refreshing to come to a new environment and experience a different method or way of doing things,” Butt said, settling into his first interview as a Chief.

To long-time supporters, it may sound familiar to the career progression of another Exeter player. It was 11 years ago that winger Olly Woodburn made the journey down the M5 from the Rec to Sandy Park. Could there could be parallels drawn?

Butt chuckles: “I don’t know! I think if there’s ever an example of how to get it right, it’s that man. He’s done brilliantly well since leaving Bath to come here. If I could emulate anything like the impact he’s had here, I’d be extremely pleased.

”The summer has been packed full of firsts for the 26-year-old, as he and his partner welcomed a little boy earlier this year. The move down to the South West has given the young family plenty of opportunity for fun down at the beach and given Butt a welcome distraction away from the rigorous demands of pre-season training.

He said: “I’ve got a five-month-old baby at home, little Joey. It’s so nice to come back home to see him at the end of the day, just to switch off and give you something else to focus on outside of rugby. The sleep is a little bit difficult to come by but it’s much harder for my partner at home, so I can’t complain too much.”

Pre-season began on Monday, 27 July and is already drawing to a close for the Exeter men. There have been early morning cardio sessions, dojo skills to develop their tackle technique and the infamous trips to Exmouth beach for sessions on the sand. All of it however has only served to develop the squad’s bond Butt believes.

He added: “We’ve had just under four weeks together, so it’s been short and sharp, but I feel like we’ve fit a lot in. It’s been hard work, but it’s been really enjoyable so far.

“The mood among the boys has been really positive. I think we’ve got a really good group of senior guys that drive the standards, they understand what it takes. They went so far last year, so there’s an understanding of what it takes to compete in this league.“

Alongside them, you’ve got a real young cohort that are coming through and putting pressure on people, driving a bit of competition and brining new energy. So, I think we’ve got a really good balance in the group.

”Slotting into the centre field in a Chiefs shirt is an area of hot competition. Following the international break, Henry Slade and new arrival from Crusaders, Dallas McLeod throw their hats into the ring with youngsters Nick Lilley and Ollie Batson.

Butt agreed: “It’s a really strong group of centres. You’ve got someone like Zack Wimbush as well, who is absolutely massive and seeing how powerful he really is, I was on the receiving end of that when we played here last season!“

I like to think I’m a good ball carrier, that would be my strength. I want to get my hands on the ball, try to get the team going forward.”

The aforementioned meeting with Wimbush was a firm brush-off from the 22-year-old EURFC alumni on the more established Butt which was shared on league and club social media channels. Has Butt received any ribbing from his new teammates for the moment?

He laughed: “I haven’t actually, but I do know the clip you’re talking about because it was posted about six or seven times last year! Me getting bounced off, a good few people sent me it at the time.

”The moment hasn’t put the new man off though. The prospect of playing at Sandy Park for the first time as a Chief is very much locked in his sight.

He said: “I’m really excited. When I think of playing here, I think it’s such a hostile place to come as opposition. To have this as home now, to have those fans behind you, it’s something I’m really looking forward to.”