Exeter confirm Ollie Devoto signing

As revealed by Neil Fissler in The Rugby Paper on December 28, Exeter Chiefs have signed centre Ollie Devoto.
The 22-year-old, who was named in England‘s EPS squad on Wednesday, will move to Sandy Park from Bath on a three-year deal.
He said: “It’s a good move for me. Exeter are a very good club and they’ve shown over a number of years that they are very ambitious. I like the values they have created, especially in terms of working hard, and that kind of mirrors what I demand of myself.
“Having played against them a few times over the years, you know you’re always going to be in for a tough game and that you’ll be tested in every area. They are a side built around hard work, but who are also very skilful and who have a number of ways of causing you problems.
“Playing down at Sandy Park, it’s always a great atmosphere and a tough place to visit as a player. Games I’ve had in the past against Exeter down there have tended to stick in my mind, so it will be nice to be on the other side of that.
“It will be nice to have a few familiar faces when I arrive,” he added. “Obviously I know a few of the lads from the Under-20s group, plus Ollie Woodburn is a good friend of mine and he’s told me he’s really enjoyed things since he moved down to the club.
“The likes of Luke Cowan-Dickie, Sam Hill, Jack Nowell and Henry Slade, they’ve all come through over the last few years at the club and shown what good players they are. Obviously they’ve been managed really well by the coaching staff, who are now reaping their rewards for the faith they’ve put in them.
“All those guys have worked really hard to get where they have, but looking from the outset you could say that is what sums up Exeter. They are all about working hard for one another and the team ethos they have created is clear for everyone to see.
“When you play against Exeter it’s always a big ask, you know you’re going to be defending for long periods as their attack is very strong.
“Hopefully, I can help add bits and pieces to things, but I’m under no illusions how tough getting into the team will be. You only have to look at the competition within the backs to see what strength they have.
“They’ve not got to second in the league for no reason, they are a very strong side and it will be up to me to go down there, work hard and challenge for my place like every other player.
“I’m massively grateful to so many people at Bath. They were the ones who were willing to give me my big chance and throw me in at the deep end. I’ve had some great times with the club and it will always be somewhere that lies closely to my heart.”
Bath head coach Mike Ford said: “We’re really disappointed to see Ollie go, but respect his decision. We’ve enjoyed watching his development here at the Club, and would like to thank him for all his hard work, which we know he’ll continue to put in until the end of the season.”