Taione to leave the Chiefs

By Mark Stevens
15/6/21

Elvis Taione says Exeter Chiefs will forever hold a special place in his heart after it was confirmed he will leave the Gallagher Premiership club at the end of the season.

The popular Tongan is set to bring the curtain down on a seven-year stint in Devon - and will continue his rugby career with the Ospreys in Wales next season.

He will follow club-mate Tomas Francis in moving to the Liberty Stadium, having made 81 appearances and scored seven tries for the Chiefs.

Taione joined Rob Baxter’s squad in 2014 from Championship outfit, Jersey Reds, and has been very much part and parcel of the Chiefs, helping them to lift two Premiership titles, as well as the Heineken Champions Cup.

Capped 29 times by his country, Taione was also part of their squad for the 2015 Rugby World Cup.

A powerful scrummager and destructive force around the field, Taione was quick to highlight the experiences of his time with the Chiefs.

“It’s been an unbelievable seven years,” he said. “I’ve been lucky to be part of a special group of players and a special club. Throughout my time in Exeter, I’ve always given everything to the Chiefs jersey and I’ve loved every minute of playing for the group.

“I not only have so many experiences to take away with me, but also lifelong friends throughout the club. The Chiefs will always hold a special place in my heart and I will be doing everything I can to ensure that I finish my time here on a real high note.

“I want to thank all of my team-mates, the coaches, the staff and, of course, the supporters for everything they have done for me over the years.”

Now, Taione is set to prolong his career in the Principality with Toby Booth’s Ospreys side in the new-look Pro14 League.

“I spoke to Toby and his vision for the Ospreys just excited me and he pretty much sold it to me straight away,” added Taione. “I am a competitive person and he is trying to build competition in the squad and sees a clear role for me.

“Tom Francis and myself both moved to Exeter in the same season and now we are both leaving and moving to the Ospreys in the same season. He followed me to Exeter and now I am following him to Swansea.

“I see the Ospreys being in a similar place to where Exeter were when I joined them, and I just hope my experience can help the team develop.

“Playing the South African teams was another part that excited me. I love the physical side of rugby and they will be a real challenge and one you have to be excited about.”