Greg Fisilau signs new Exeter Chiefs contract

Exeter Chiefs back rower Greg Fisilau has signed a new contract to stay with the club.

Establishing himself in the last year as a dominant force in the Chiefs back row, Fisilau has gained the praise of supporters, teammates and coaches as well as catching the eye of international selectors.

“I’m incredibly excited to have re-signed with Exeter Chiefs,” the young forward said. “When I got the opportunity of a new contract, it was a no-brainer to me. I’ve really enjoyed my time here and I’m already looking forward to what is still to come.

“I’m proud of what I’ve accomplished so far but I’m always striving for more as I never want to become comfortable. There’s a lot of competition in the back row but I think it’s always good when you’ve got world-class players around you because it pushes you to improve and get better week-by-week which ultimately makes the whole team better.

“My goal is always the same and that is to be consistently performing in a Chiefs shirt.”

With his father Keni – a former Tongan international – as his inspiration, young Fisilau started his own rugby journey with Devonport Services as an eight-year-old. The now 21-year-old’s breakthrough came with former Premiership side Wasps after he impressed Lee Blackett’s side with his loan performances for Birmingham Moseley and Ampthill.

When Wasps folded, the Chiefs swooped in to pluck the talented young forward from the wreckage and bring him into the Exeter fold. Since then, he has developed into a confident player who is regularly on the team sheet in all competitions.

Director of Rugby Rob Baxter sees Fisilau as a key signing to secure the future success of Chiefs as he emerges as one of the leading back-five performers in the Premiership.

“We’re thrilled to have secured a long-term contract extension for Greg who is one of the most exciting back-row forwards in the Premiership," he said. "We were delighted to see how well he played for England A over the weekend.

“He’s been one of our key performers over the last couple of seasons. He’s a player that always looks like he’s going to get better so he’s going to be one of those players that I think we can build a very successful team around.

“We put a big focus on trying to keep our best young players attached to the club for a period of growth and I see Greg as one of those key signings who is performing exceptionally well and who I can only see improving.

“At such a young age, to be as good as he is, I think he’s one of those players who is almost limitless in what he can achieve in the game going forward and, what is great to know, is that that is going to be with Exeter Chiefs.”