Haydon-Wood agrees new Chiefs contract

Exeter Chiefs fly-half Will Haydon-Wood has signed a new deal with the club.

The 25-year-old has provided indispensable cover at both fly-half and centre this season as Chiefs have put together competitive campaigns across three competitions.

Haydon-Wood said: “I’m excited to see what my future holds after re-signing at Exeter.

“I feel like I have settled in the South West with the club being a very tight-knit group, and that is now translating into on-pitch performances this season.

“Being part of a team that is striving to win trophies was a huge part of the reason why I wanted to stay, along with getting to play alongside close mates – a major part of why I started playing the game in the first place.

“Hopefully, I can play a part in finishing this season in a memorable way and carry that into next year.”

A recruit for a completely new-look Chiefs squad ahead of the 2023/24 season, Haydon-Wood moved to Devon from a spell in France with then ProD2 side, Massy Essonne.

Before moving across the channel, he was no stranger to the Gallagher PREM having made four appearances for Wasps and more than 20 for Newcastle.

Joining up with a youthful group of Chiefs looking to make their mark on the Prem and in Europe, Haydon-Wood has slotted in seamlessly. His ability to adapt to either fly-half or the midfield has been pivotal to his gaining more than 50 appearances for the club.

Chiefs’ director of rugby Rob Baxter said: “Will has shown this season that he can have an impact for us in pretty much any position in the backline, which is fantastic. It’s really important for us in terms of the make-up of the match 23.

“He’s had some good performances at 10 when we’ve needed him to, but he’s also covered really well at full-back as well as inside centre.

“He’s a very popular guy amongst the squad. An individual we feel is still growing as a competitor and as a player. He understands the club and how we want to play very well, so we’re delighted to have him staying with us.”

Haydon-Wood follows in the footsteps of fellow half-backs Stephen Varney and Harvey Skinner in re-committing to Chiefs.