New contract for Steenson

Editor

Exeter fly-half and the club's record points-scorer Gareth Steenson has put pen to paper on a new two-year deal with the Premiership side.

Steenson is to extend his stay at Sandy Park until at least the end of 2019/20 season and is the first indication from director of rugby Rob Baxter that he is keen to keep hold of a number of his frontline stars moving forward.

Signed by the Chiefs back in the summer of 2010 from the Cornish Pirates, the 33-year-old fly-half has played an integral part in the recent rise of Exeter out of the Championship and into one of the leading rugby’s forces within the European game.

With over 250 appearances in all competitions and a points tally of 2,331, the Dungannon-born playmaker has been the headline maker on numerous occasions, most notably last May when his winning kick helped the Chiefs to lift the Premiership for the first time in the club’s history.

“Obviously I’m very pleased and I’m really enjoying my rugby here,” Steenson told Exeter's website. “To sign the new deal is very exciting for both me and my family. I’ve been lucky enough to be involved with the squad over the years and I’ve seen the place develop hugely to the position we are in now.

“Moving forward, I can only see the club going from strength to strength and I am delighted to be part that. I view Exeter as my club and I have done so for many years. As I said, it’s great to get my future sorted and now that I’ll be here for another couple of seasons at least enjoying my rugby.”

Steenson, who is celebrating his testimonial year at the club this season, also praised the impact the Chiefs faithful have had on him during his time in Exeter colours.

“The support of the fans is huge for me,” said Steenson. “Like all of us, they’ve been on the journey and they’ve grown in numbers as much as the club has grown. I’ve got to know a lot of them personally, especially having the testimonial this year, so it has been nice to share things with them.

“They’ve also been great for me and my family. From day one we’ve loved it here and although it’s can be a nervy time when it comes to contracts, I’m delighted that it’s all sorted now and that I can focus fully on what I hope will be an exciting and successful future.”