Piratical Cully plots to storm Chiefs

HARRISON Cully is bidding to follow in the rapid footsteps of Stuart Townsend and Sam Simmonds by progressing from the bench at Cornish Pirates to Exeter’s title-winning side in under a season.

The 20-year-old winger is one of this season’s batch of prospects sent out by the Chiefs to the Championship side to further their rugby education.

And he is even hungrier after missing the majority of the 2016-17 campaign after shoulder reconstruction.

Townsend and Simmonds took their chances with Pirates, ending the season playing in Chiefs’ dramatic 23-20 Premiership final victory over Wasps at Twickenham, where Townsend started and Simmonds came on as a replacement for the final push.

“That’s why I’m so excited to be coming down here,” said Cully who – along with centre partner Harry Strong, also 20 – has graduated from his previous dualregistration with Plymouth Albion.

“Plymouth was a step up for me so hopefully I can make the next step here,” he said. “I’ve seen what people like Stu, Sam and Max Bodilly have achieved after being here recently so it’s a big incentive.”

Cully has hit the ground running with Pirates after a summer spell Down Under with Sydney University – a move arranged by the Chiefs following last season’s injury setback.

“I had a great time with Sydney Uni,” said Cully. “It was nice to be able to play fast rugby, expand my horizons and tune my game. It’s paid dividends and hopefully I can take it into the Championship.”

MIKE SINCLAIR