Two more announce departure from Exe

TIGHTHEAD prop Sam Nixon will leave Exeter Chiefs after just a single season for a move to French Pro D2 side Grenoble, both clubs have confirmed.

Nixon, 25, joined the Chiefs ahead of the 2021/22 season from Bayonne where he played 24 games in the French Top 14.

Since arriving back in England in the summer Nixon has played for the Devon club in both the Heineken Champions Cup and Premiership Rugby Cup, as well as the Gallagher Premiership, amassing ten appearances.

He also spent a spell out on loan at Premiership rivals Bristol Bears following an injury crisis in the frontrow at the West Country club.

Nixon joins Jonny Hill, Tom O’Flaherty, Sam Hidalgo-Clyne, Jack Walsh, Sam Skinner and Don Armand (retiring) in departing the club at the end of the season.

Nixon said: “It has been an absolute pleasure for me to pull on the Chiefs jersey.

“The club, the people and the supporters have been fantastic from day one and even though it will only have been a short stay, it’s been an incredible experience for me.”

Grenoble director of rugby Fabien Gengenbacher said: “Sam is a very athletic English tighthead prop, 1m 93cm tall, 125 kgs.

“He trained at the Bath Academy then passed through Bayonne last season where he played 25 games, he was keen to return to France because he particularly likes the scrum and he knows that it is a very important sector in our championships.

“We are delighted that he has agreed to commit for the next two seasons with us.”

The club also confirmed the departure of young fly-half Jack Walsh, who is joining Ospreys at the conclusion of the season after twp years at Sandy Park.

The 22 year old heads to Swansea after signing a two-year deal and will be looking to continue his development in the URC.