EXETER PLAN TO IMPROVE THEIR FAN ZONE

EXETER Chiefs second row Rusi Tuima has committed his future to the club, signing a contract extension to 2026, writes Erin McRitchie.

The flamboyant forward transitioned from back row to second row at the outset of the 2023/24 season and has hit his stride in his new position.

Having emerged through the Sandy Park ranks, the 23-year-old who regularly features in the Gallagher Premiership and Investec Champions Cup is delighted to continue giving his all to the Chiefs shirt.

“This season has made me want to stay all the more, because of the boys here. It’s an exciting group we’ve got and the things we’ve accomplished have been amazing, and I’ve loved every second of learning and growing alongside these boys.

“I’ve grown up in the Chiefs system, so I’ve been here since I was 13. To do it all with some of my best mates, and boys I’ve grown up with like Lewis Pearson and Richard Capstick, has meant it’s been a hell of a ride so far, so I’m looking forward to getting stuck in for the seasons to come.”

Tuima has bid his team in the Chiefs set up before grasping his opportunity with both hands this season. Previously, he spent time on loan to Plymouth Albion and friendly appearances with Exeter Braves gave the Fijian-born forward an opening insight to senior rugby.

It was Chiefs forwards coach Rob Hunter who suggested he transition from the back row to a second row berth and, having soaked up knowledge from teammates and coaches alike, Tuima hasn’t looked back.

Director of Rugby Rob Baxter believes Tuima will continue to go from strength to strength and be an integral part of the Chiefs squad moving forward.

“This is great news for us. Rusi is a player who is really starting to breakthrough this year. We’ve known for a long time that he’s had bags and bags of potential, but he’s really taken off this season with us promoting him into the starting line-up in the second row.

“We’ve got to credit Rob Hunter and Ross McMillan for all the work they’ve done with Rusi around playing in his new position as he’s very much become one of our front-line players now.

“I think Rusi is showing an awful lot of qualities of a modern, big, ball-carrying second row forward and he’s having lots of impact in a very important way for us in a team that is playing very well.