McArthur adds depth to Chiefs pack

Exeter Chiefs have signed former England U20s prop Archie McArthur from Gloucester Rugby for the 2026/27 season.

The 23-year-old made 20 appearances for the cherry and whites since joining them from Wasps at the outset of the 2022/23 season.

McArthur said: “Chiefs is a club with a strong culture, an amazing following and a reputation for developing players, which all really appealed to me.

“From speaking with the coaches and seeing the ambition of the club, it felt like the right place to continue my development and challenge myself at the highest level.

“I want to contribute as much as I can to the team’s success, keep improving my game and help the club compete for silverware. I’m excited to get started and connect with the lads.”

The young prop’s time with the Gallagher PREM rivals also included being dual-registered with Elior Champ Rugby side Hartpury, for whom he made more than 25 appearances and scored two tries.

Born in Reading, McArthur studied at the City of Oxford College where he joined the Wasps academy pathway through their partnership with the college. While he only made three senior appearances for the former top-flight club, it was there that England age-grades recognised his burgeoning talents.

Originally representing England U18s, in 2023 McArthur was selected alongside Chiefs players Greg Fisilau and Joe Bailey to pull on the England U20s shirt at that year’s World Rugby U20 Championship competition in South Africa.

McArthur will link back up with Fisilau and Bailey in Chiefs colours next season as he adds depth to the front-row as he looks to continue developing his game under the tutelage of forwards coaches Ross McMillan and Glen Townson.

Chiefs’ director of rugby Rob Baxter said: “Archie is a young loosehead who we’re pleased to bring to the club. He’s played against us a few times interestingly, so we watched those games in detail and saw him doing very well.

“His strengths are his around the field movement, his defence and his ability on the ball. He’s got a bit of work to do around set piece, but that’s something we feel we can help him develop.

“With Scotty [Scott Sio] moving on, we needed to make sure we’ve got the correct strength in depth around our front-row department. We feel he’ll do a good job for us in the position and that there’s a good amount of development in him as a young player. We see him as a guy with a really promising future.”