Exeter Chiefs Bolster Front Row with Signing of Premiership Veteran Will Goodrick-Clarke
June 14, 2024 – In a significant move, the Exeter Chiefs have secured the services of experienced prop Will Goodrick-Clarke ahead of the 2024/25 Gallagher Premiership season. The 28-year-old, who previously played for the now-defunct London Irish, joins the Chiefs from Ealing Trailfinders after a title-winning campaign in the Championship.
Goodrick-Clarke’s journey in rugby union has been marked by resilience and determination. The prop first picked up the sport as a youngster in Stow-on-the-Wold, Cheltenham, before honing his skills in the Gloucester academy and gaining valuable experience with Richmond in the Championship. His impressive performances for the London second-tier side caught the eye of then-England coach Eddie Jones, leading to Goodrick-Clarke’s involvement in multiple international training camps and a non-capped appearance against the Barbarians in 2022.
Following London Irish’s demise last June, Goodrick-Clarke opted to continue his career in the Championship with Ealing Trailfinders, where he played a pivotal role in the team’s title-winning season. This move has now earned him a lucrative contract with the Exeter Chiefs, who have identified the front-rower as a valuable addition to their squad.
“I’m relishing the chance to get back out there, play in these big games, and see what I can contribute to this Chiefs team,” said Goodrick-Clarke, expressing his enthusiasm for the new challenge.
Exeter Chiefs’ director of rugby, Rob Baxter, echoed these sentiments, stating, “We watched a lot of him playing in the Championship this season and saw he was playing well, so we think he will be a fantastic addition to our squad. We know he is desperate to get back into playing in the Premiership to push on and try to be successful and win trophies. And that’s exactly the type of player we’re looking to bring in.”
With Goodrick-Clarke’s Premiership experience and the Chiefs’ reputation for developing talented players, this move promises to be a mutually beneficial partnership as the Devonians strive to maintain their position among the league’s elite.
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