Exeter sign Leinster duo
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Exeter Chiefs have confirmed the signing of Leinster duo Jack Dunne and Rory O'Loughlin ahead of the 2022/23 season.
It’s Baxter first moves in terms of squad strengthening for next season.
Having attended St Michael’s College in Dublin, Dunne entered the Leinster sub-academy immediately upon leaving school in 2017 before being promoted to the full academy a year later. It would not take long for Dunne to be given his chance at first-team level, making the first of his 17 appearances to date for the Irish province against Zebre in 2019.
Although an ankle injury and Covid has stifled his progress in more recent times, the Chiefs believe they have pulled off somewhat of coup in landing the London-born lock, who stands at 6ft 8in and tips the scales at 120kg.
28-year-old Irish international centre ry O'Loughlin will head to the Premiership club next season after eight years featuring for Leinster, whom he has helped to both domestic and European success. His switch across the Irish Sea will mark his first foray away from his homeland, but it’s a move the player himself insists ticks all the boxes in terms of his career and family life.
“It’s a big move for me, but one that I’m very excited about,” said Dunne.
“Exeter are a brilliant club, one of the best around, and one I know will be looking to challenge for silverware.
“So far I’ve played all my rugby here in Ireland, but I see the move not only as a chance to experience something new, but at the same time it’s a chance for me to develop myself, not only as a player, but as a person too.
“I’ve been very lucky to be at Leinster for the past eight years, but this is a new and exciting challenge for me,” said O’Loughlin, who has made 92 appearances for Leinster, scoring 105 points to date.
“Having come up against Exeter in the past, plus watching from afar, I’ve seen the success they’ve had and the squad they have built.
“Heading over to Exeter, it’s a move that really excites me and one that comes at the right time in my career. Exeter play a great brand of rugby, one in which they like to get the ball into space, and they really look to go after and attack the opposition.
“Also, speaking with Rob [Baxter], he didn’t have to sell the place too much. You can see the squad is a tight group and that there is great culture amongst the players.
