Another big Chief joins Exeter
Saturday may have brought the curtain down on Exeter’s second season in the Aviva Premiership, but Chiefs head coach Rob Baxter is already hard at work planning for the 2012/13 campaign.
Having already brought in six new recruits for next season, Baxter has further bolstered his playing options up front with the acquisition of imposing lock Damian Welch from the Scarlets.
The 29-year-old forward, has agreed a two-year deal with the Exeter Chiefs and arrives at Sandy Park from the Welsh region with a wealth of playing experience not only in the Pro12, but also the Heineken Cup as well.
Baxter has made no secret of his desire to bring in new stock in Exeter’s engine room following the retirements of both Peter Short and Chris Bentley – and Chad Slade’s departure to French Division Two side Oyonnax.
Already Baxter had occupied one of the berths with the signing of Australian international Dean Mumm from the Waratahs – and Welch, who has previously played for Cardiff University, Pontypridd, Cardiff and the Cardiff Blues, now provides a second new addition in that area to challenge for a first team spot.
“We knew we’d have to sign a couple of second rows with the guys leaving – Peter Short, Bentos and Chad,” said Baxter. “We’ve been looking at Damian for some time, I think it’s the third time I’ve spoken to him about potentially coming to Exeter.
“Initially I had a good look at him before he started playing professional rugby at Cardiff, didn’t quite think he was a fit for us at the time. He got a contract with the Cardiff Blues and pre him joining the Scarlets I had another chat with him but at the time he was thinking there were potentially some Wales caps there, he was playing very well.
“I’ve kept an eye on him all along and when I found out quite recently the Scarlets were prepared to release him from the second year of his contract we got onto things very quickly. He came down, did his testing again and he really is a great athlete.
“Our job is to keep guiding him, hiss athletic make-up is fantastic. He’s tested pretty much as quick as Tom Johnson but he varies between 115 and 120kg, very low body fat, he’s a big, athletic guy, very quick and pacy and he’s played Heineken Cup rugby this year.”
