Tuima targets regular role with the Chiefs

By Mark Stevens
15/9/21

Exeter Chiefs forward Rus Tuima says he will be giving everything in his quest to stake a regular role with Rob Baxter’s first team plans this season.

The powerhouse forward showcased his blossoming talent by producing a man-of-the-match display in his side’s pre-season clash with Munster at Sandy Park last Saturday.

Although the Chiefs were undone 31-19 by their Irish visitors, the 21-year-old put in quite the shift, claiming one of Exeter’s three tries on the day.

Now, though, Tuima is hoping to build on that eye-catching display and has set his sights on being part of the Devon club’s push for honours, both in England and in Europe this coming season.

“It was brilliant to be out there playing,” he said. “It was a tough game and Munster really came out firing at us. Credit to the boys, we put in a big shift and it’s given us a good base to go into the season with.”

And that season starts properly this Saturday with a testing opening day test away to Leicester Tigers at Welford Road. Tuima hopes to be part and parcel of the travelling squad for that clash – and for many more as the season progresses.

“I’m just trying to push on as best I can,” said the Fijian-born No.8. “Obviously we’ve got an outstanding team here, so all I can do is do my best to try and push myself into the team.”

His second half score against Munster offered a glimpse of what Tuima can bring to the party – and his display was praised by Chiefs’ forwards coach, Rob Hunter, at the final whistle.

“Rus has worked really hard and he is one of your young players who has made incredible gains and strides in the past 12 months,” said Hunter. “He has really worked on his game and he has really worked hard physically.

“I am really pleased to see him coming in and that is what we really need, to have a handful of the youngsters kicking the door down to get into the team and being the next group to push us on and drive us.

“You are always trying to build the next championship team, not hold onto the last one. Guys like Rus, Josh Hodge, Jack Innard, Richard Capstick, when he comes back, they are really important because they are going to drive everyone else on.”