>> Blindside revelations
LUKE CowanDickie is set to reject the chance of a move to Harlequins to pen a new contract to remain with Premiership high flyers Exeter Chiefs. Quins were keen for the England international to move to the Twickenham Stoop next season and put together a lucrative package to tempt him to South West London. Blindside reported last month that the Cornwall-born hooker had rejected the Chiefs first offer but since then he has held more talks with director of rugby Rob Baxter.
We understand that he is close to agreeing a new deal with the Chiefs who feared they would lose at least one of their international stars next season.
The Chiefs have already agreed terms with Jack Nowell, Henry Slade and Alec Hepburn as well as bringing in Stuart Hogg as a marquee player.
Keeping CowanDickie will be the icing on the cake with the deal likely to be agreed before Christmas.
Meanwhile we also believe that the club have agreed terms for Dave Ewers and Greg Holmes to extend their stays at Sandy Park.
Zimbabwe-born back row Ewers, who was called up by England during the 2016 Six Nations, has signed a new two-year deal with the club.
While former Wallaby tight head prop Holmes, 36 next summer, will be staying at the club for next season.