Baxter Confirms Iosefa-Scott Set for French Move
Exeter Chiefs prop Josh Iosefa-Scott is set to leave the club for France when his contract expires next summer, director of rugby Rob Baxter has confirmed. Baxter says the move looks likely to go ahead despite Exeter’s efforts to keep him at Sandy Park.
Reports in France have linked Iosefa-Scott with Provence after six seasons with the Chiefs, though Baxter stressed he has had no official word on the club involved. Fans have followed his rise since he arrived from New Zealand side Waikato back in 2021.
Contract Offer and Official Destination Details
Baxter revealed Exeter had already tried to tie the prop down with a new deal before the French interest emerged. “I’m very aware we’ve been in contract negotiations with him, I’m aware he’s got a very good offer in France,” he said.
The Chiefs boss was clear that the specific destination remains unconfirmed on his end, whatever French reports have suggested. “I haven’t had any confirmation of whatever club he’s going to,” Baxter said, keeping the club’s public position firmly to the facts he actually knows.
Iosefa-Scott’s Exeter Career and England A Call-Up
Josh Iosefa-Scott joined Exeter from Waikato in the summer of 2021 and has gone on to make 99 appearances in all competitions for the club. Baxter recalled the leap of faith it took for a young player to move across the world so early in his career. “He came on what you call an opportunity-type contract, which is tough to come over with a young family early in your career and take that opportunity,” Baxter said.
He scored a try in Exeter’s 26-17 Premiership final defeat to Northampton Saints at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham, one of the biggest moments of his Chiefs career so far. Our Northampton Saints contract news has more on the opposition that day.
Iosefa-Scott has since earned a call-up to England’s A squad, reward for a consistent run of form up front. Our England A back in November details covers that squad news in full.
Exeter Chiefs’ Forward Outlook and Contract Timeline
Baxter framed the looming departure as proof of the progress Exeter have made, rather than a setback for the squad. “He’s done exactly what I want every player at Exeter Chiefs to do, to play in a way and inside a team that does well enough that if we can’t offer them a good enough contract and someone else can offer a better contract then great, because that that shows they’ve played well in a good team and they’ve attracted interest and that’s what looks after their careers,” he said.
“It’s the positive way to leave the club, and I know that sounds a little difficult, but what do we want? Do we want to play play only at a level every year and only succeed as a team every year where nobody else wants our players,” Baxter added, arguing that outside interest is a sign a squad is doing things right.
“If nobody else wants your players that’s probably a sign that you’ve got a group of poor players playing poor rugby,” Baxter said. He pointed to Iosefa-Scott’s own form as the clearest example of that pattern. “So for me these are positive issues for us to have and Josh is a great example of that in these last couple of seasons – that last season particularly, he had a very good, very consistent season. He’s a big man with great skills.”
Josh Iosefa-Scott’s current deal runs until the end of next season, giving Exeter until next summer before he officially moves on. Full detail on Baxter’s comments can be found in the BBC Sport report on Baxter’s comments.
