Will Rigg to join Newcastle Red Bulls for the 2026/27 season

Exeter Chiefs centre Will Rigg has signed a contract with Newcastle Red Bulls for the 2026/27 season.

Rigg joins current Chiefs teammates Josh Hodge and Rusi Tuima in making the move to the northern Gallagher PREM club at the end of this season. As a Chief, Rigg has made 29 appearances in all competitions, scoring 10 tries since making his debut against Newcastle.

Rigg said: “I’d like to thank the club for the opportunities it has given me to play at the highest level. Playing with and against some of the best players in the world has been amazing and for this, I’ll always be grateful.

“The timing is right however for me to move on and explore an exciting new project. Personally, I believe the move is the right thing for my own rugby development and I am excited for the next step in my career.

“I’d like to personally thank the supporters for all their positivity towards both me and the team in the time I’ve been here. Through highs and lows, you’ve always stuck by us.

“Finally, to the lads, thanks for all the memories both on and off the pitch, it’s been a pleasure. We aren’t done yet, I’m still hopeful to make some positive contributions to this team throughout the remainder of the season. I hugely believe we are capable of winning trophies, and I would love to help towards that.”

The former Champ Rugby man joined the Chiefs squad part way through the 2023/24 season after agreeing an early release from Coventry Rugby.

The 25-year-old had been a standout performer at Butts Park Arena, making 31 appearances and gaining himself selection to the 2022/23 Champ Rugby team of the season. Preceding this, Rigg had been a part of the BUCS Super Rugby set-up at Cardiff Met University.

Rigg will continue to be part of the current campaign for Chiefs before becoming a Red Bulls player in the summer.