Chiefs duo sign new deals

Mitch Lees and Ian Whitten have committed their futures to the Exeter Chiefs.

Just days after long-serving fly-half Gareth Steenson put pen to paper on a new three-year contract, two of his club-mates have followed suit by agreeing similar terms that will keep them at the club until 2021.

Director of Rugby Baxter makes no secret that his first priority is often retention of players ahead of recruitment and he says keeping hold of two of his more senior stars is paramount moving forward.

“Obviously we’re delighted that both Mitch and Whitts have signed new deals,” said Baxter. “Both are important members of the squad, so to have them around the place for another three years is fantastic news for us.

Whitten, 30, signed for the Chiefs back in the summer of 2012 from Ulster.

Recruited from then Championship outfit London Welsh in 2014, Sydney-born Lees has thrived in the Chiefs environment, establishing himself as one of the club’s frontline forwards in recent seasons.