South African forward and Los Pumas Test star among 15 players farewelled at Premiership club
Jacques Vermeulen (centre right) with an inset of Stu Townsend (left)
Exeter Chiefs have confirmed 15 players will leave the club at the end of the season, including South African powerhouse Jacques Vermeulen, Argentina lock Franco Molina and Wales star Joe Hawkins.
The Devonians have endured a turbulent season this campaign, with three coaches leaving Rob Baxter’s staff, but the club have already made waves in the transfer market to replace the outgoing players.
Exeter Chiefs confirm 15 player departures
Vermeulen’s exit to Premiership rivals Sale Sharks is arguably the headline departure among this list, given his service to the club. The versatile forward joined Exeter in 2019 and has since gone on to become a crucial cog in the side with 105 appearances to his name. He has also served as captain on several occasions, particularly this season.
The South African was also a key part of the Exeter side that won the Premiership and Champions Cup double in 2020.
Academy graduates Stu Townsend, Marcus Street, Billy Keast, Jack Innard, Sam Maunder, Chester Ribbons and Charlie McCaig will also depart for pastures new, while Dan Frost and Hawkins are also headed to new clubs.
British and Irish Lions star drafted in to replace England back at Premiership heavyweights
Argentina lock Molina, Jack Dunne, Niall Armstrong and Hallam Chapman will also leave, but have not had their next destinations confirmed at the time of writing.
Rounding off the list of departees, senior academy player Eoin O’Connor will retire from the sport.
Commenting on the exits, Chiefs boss Baxter said: “I’d like to thank all the players leaving us for being a part of the Chiefs journey.
“They have all contributed to our environment and I know I speak for everyone at the club when I say that we wish them all the very best in the future.”
In their place, Exeter have already drafted in the likes of Len Ikitau, Joseph Dweba, Stephen Varney, Tom Hooper and Andrea Zambonin.
READ MORE: Owen Farrell’s return to Saracens in doubt due to curveball from Racing 92 – report
