Rob Baxter ‘looking for players’ amidst Exeter Chiefs’ injury crisis
Rob Baxter has detailed he is still 'looking for players' amidst an injury crisis at Sandy Park
Exeter Chiefs Director of Rugby, Rob Baxter, has detailed the club could possibly dip into the transfer market again this season for new recruits but says they want players to join ‘the process’ at Sandy Park.
Despite the Premiership season being a week old, Exeter are in the midst of an injury crisis in midfield, scrum-half and second-row.
“They’re part of the process”
Speaking to members of the media ahead of his side’s clash with Northampton Saints this weekend, Baxter said he would be keen to bring in some new players, but insists they are still focusing on ‘long-term’ options.
“We’ve got a bit of an injury situation in midfield, we’ve got a little bit of the same going on at scrum-half; so yes (they are in the market) but it’s not short-term cover, so to speak,” he said.
“The guys we would look at are guys who want to come now, but then want to be here next year and the year after.”
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He added: “So if I said ‘are we looking for players’, then yes; but are they injury cover? No, they’re part of the process. If we’re looking to bring them into the club and I can advance it to them coming now, we will, but that’s how we’ll do it.”
The Chiefs have already done some heavy recruitment this off-season. Will Goodrick-Clarke, Jimmy Roots, Kwenzo Blose, Martin Moloney and Tamati Tua – who is ruled out with a neck injury – have all come to Sandy Park this off-season, and they are also heavily linked with a move for Argentina star Franco Molina – who featured in Los Pumas’ 29-28 win over the Springboks last weekend.
Injury updates
Whilst Baxter had previously detailed the likes of Henry Slade, Dafydd Jenkins, Tommy Wyatt and the aforementioned Tua will be out until at least November, they have picked up two further injuries in the defeat to Leicester Tigers, with backs Niall Armstrong and Ben Hammersley taken off in the first half.
Commenting on scrum-half Armstrong, who has an ankle issue, Baxter said: “We’re waiting on the results of his scan. It looks like an ankle sprain of some sort, but we’re just waiting on the results of that.
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Versatile outside back Hammersley failed an HIA in Saturday’s 17-14 defeat, and Baxter detailed he is undergoing head injury protocol.
“Because of that scenario, he’s unlikely to be involved this week. He has to go through the process, which will hopefully make him available for next week.”
Elsewhere, there is some positive news surrounding star back-rower Jacques Vermeulen. The South African native picked up a knee injury during Exeter’s pre-season win over Ulster, but Baxter revealed it’s not a major issue.
“It doesn’t look as bad as initially feared. It’s a swollen, bruised knee with a bit of bone bruising. We’re hoping within the next couple weeks he’ll be back in full training and we can start to progress with him.”
