Painter plots return to top form with new Chiefs contract

Exeter Chiefs tighthead prop Ehren Painter has signed a new deal with the club ahead of the 2026/27 season.

Painter has recently returned to the pitch after a 15-month long injury recovery after the front-rower suffered an ACL tear in training last season.

Painter said: “I am incredibly happy to be staying with Chiefs. I think this is a very special club that has a lot of great things in its future.

“I’m looking forward to ending this season on a high and being a part of a team that is challenging to win titles.”

The 28-year-old prop quickly found a home in the Chiefs pack when he made the move from Gallagher PREM rivals Northampton Saints in March 2023.

In more than 30 appearances for Chiefs, Painter has been a mammoth of the Exeter pack. In his first season as an Exeter man, the 2023/24 campaign, Painter played 592 minutes and was selected to start the Investec Champions Cup quarter-final against Stade Toulousain.

Born in London, he began his rugby journey with Chelmsford RFC before becoming part of the Saints Academy in 2016. His Northampton senior debut came in a clash against Saracens in 2018 and he went on to make 84 appearances for the club before moving to Devon.

On the international stage, Painter has represented England at both U20s and U18s level, taking part in the U18s World Rugby Championships in 2018.

Director of rugby Rob Baxter said: “Ehren has had a tough year with a severe injury, but we know he’s a very good prop, especially at set piece. We’ve seen him do really well through rehab, is moving well so we’re seeing him start to get back into action in some of our fringe games like the friendlies against the Royal Navy and Cornwall RFC.

“We know how many good props we need in our squad over the course of the season to make sure we stay competitive in all the competitions. So, what I’m really trying to build here is a squad with the depth and ability to compete in all areas and allow us to cover injuries or rest and rotation.

“Ehren forms a really important part of the puzzle that is coming together for us. I know he’s going to have a really good pre-season for us because he’s already looking forward to the hard work that entails to ensure that he’s ready to see what next season will bring for us.”