Western Morning News (Saturday)
Italian exit necessary to bring in Hogg
Michele Campagnaro’s move to Wasps was a necessary evil to make sure Exeter Chiefs could sign Stuart Hogg, director of rugby Rob Baxter has admitted.
Exeter confirmed the signing of the Scotland full-back Hogg last week – and Campagnaro’s long-awaited move to Wasps was announced on the same day.
Baxter called for understanding as the Chiefs said goodbye to the hugely talented Italian.
“The reality is that any time you bring players in, you need to consider the financial side,” said Baxter.
“We haven’t run away from this at all – just like every other team in the Premiership, we have a salary cap.
“Whatever type of squad you put together, you have to fit inside that salary cap and it is not bottomless.
“There needs to be some recognition from everybody that that is just how it has to work.
“Whoever is in that changing room is using up that money, and if that means moving around players and changing the make-up of the squad then so be it.
He added: “That is how it has to work.
“You can bring in top-quality players too and keep every player here as well – that just doesn’t work.”
Fans’ favourite Campagnaro, 25, signed for Exeter in 2015, after the World Cup.
Despite having impressive strength and searing pace, he struggled to hold down a starting spot at Sandy Park, with his time there disrupted by injuries and Italy call-ups.
Speaking about the move to Wasps, Campagnaro said: “The opportunity to join Wasps was something no player can turn down.”
Exeter are in action at Bristol this weekend. Kick off on Sunday is 3pm.