Devoto delighted to be back
By Mark Stevens
19/11/17
Oliie Devoto insists he learnt a lot about himself whilst watching his Exeter Chiefs team-mates go about their business in the Aviva Premiership and European Champions Cup this season.
A key cog in last season’s title-winning Chiefs side, the England international was looking to pick up from where he left off when the champions returned to action at the start of the campaign.
Sadly, things did not go quite to plan for the talented 24-year-old, who having been chosen to be part of Eddie Jones’ England squad for their summer tour to Argentina, failed to see any competitive action in South America.
Initially unsure as to the problem, it would take until November before Devoto would pull on an Exeter Chiefs jersey again, featuring in the Anglo-Welsh Cup victories over Northampton Saints and the Scarlets.
In that time span, however, Devoto could only watch on as the Chiefs went about their business. Whilst they played, he was forced to work on his rehabilitation from an issue with his long thoracic nerve.
“It was frustrating and it went on a lot longer than I initially thought,” explained Devoto. “I just wanted to be out there playing with the lads, but I couldn’t and it was tough at times. I learnt a lot, however, in that time.
“When you are in rehab, you’re first in and you’re last out, so I had to get used to not being part of the regular set-up. Now I’m back, which I’m chuffed about, I now have a lot of empathy for those who are injured and wanting to get back playing again.
"Certainly, I think I appreciate the game a lot more. When I first came back into training, the feeling was great because it had been such a long time. Now, I’m just looking to kick on and do the best I can for the Chiefs.”
Today, Devoto will get his chance to do just that as he lines-up in an Exeter Chiefs side looking to reclaim pole position in the Premiership against visiting Harlequins at Sandy Park (3pm).
“It should be a good test for us,” added Devoto. “Harlequins, we know, are a good side. At times they can be a bit unpredictable, but they have got some exceptional players in their squad. We know they like to run with the ball, a bit like us, and that they like to play with real tempo in their game.
“We’ve prepared well this week and, providing the weather stays dry, I think it should be a great game to watch.”
Devoto’s return to action comes at a crucial time with Rob Baxter currently missing four players on international duty. One of them is Henry Slade,who for much of the season has formed one half of Exeter’s midfield pairing alongside Ian Whitten. This afternoon, Devoto teams up with Irishman Whitten in the centre, aiming to help provide the spear head to the home side’s attacking arsenal.
“Whitts and Sladey have done a great job this season,” said Devoto. “When you consider the injuries we’ve had in that area - myself, Michele Campagnaro, Max Bodilly and Sam Hill have all been injured - they’ve put in a great shift.
“Obviously Sladey is away this weekend with England, so I’ve got an opportunity myself to show what I can do. Right now, all my focus is on playing well for the Chiefs and it starts on Sunday.”