Ollie Devoto will leave Chiefs at the end of the season

Exeter Chiefs center Ollie Devoto has confirmed he will leave Exeter Chiefs at the end of the 2023/24 season.

The Somerset-born back leaves Sandy Park after eight seasons during which he collected 127 appearances and 21 tries in the era of a Champions Cup win and two Premiership titles for Chiefs.

“Ollie has had a very interesting story with Exeter Chiefs,” said director of rugby Rob Baxter. “Ali (Hepher) and I both watched him when he started playing at Bath and we saw a man who we thought could really contribute to what we were trying to grow and build here.

“He started to get good exposure at Bath and played really well, although he played a bit at both the tenth and the middle. We knew he wanted to focus more on developing as an inside center and that is a position we wanted to add.

“We worked really hard to get him and it was a fantastic move for us as a club, and I think Ollie thinks it’s a great move for him too. He was a big part of a very successful team that won many Premiership games and obviously developed into a team that could win titles.

“He has really been a fantastic player for us. Like some of our boys, time marches on for them, but in the time he has been here he has had a fantastic career with us and we wish him all the best for the future.”

Devoto decided to make a change of scenery to the Devonshire region in 2016, joining from West Country rivals Bath Rugby. Teaming up with the England U20 teammates he had won the Junior World Championship with – including Jack Nowell, Henry Slade and Sam Hill – the line-carving center quickly hit his stride in a Chiefs shirt.

Early in his Exeter tenure, Devoto played a key role in the club’s first Premiership title in 2017 before appearing on the pitch in both matches of the euphoric 2020 double-win.

Reflecting on the impending end of his Chiefs career, Devoto is sentimental about everything he has been a part of and everything he has learned during his time at Sandy Park.

“I probably haven’t really thought about it, but when I think about it it will be so different and a bit of a shock as this club has been a big part of my life for the last eight years. I had some incredible memories that I will remember forever.

“We have been very successful and have played so many finals. I’m so lucky to have played with some of the best players in the world, on the biggest stages and won trophies. It was all a dream come true.

“I have made some great friends and met some very unique individuals. I think that in the eight years as Chief I have improved as a rugby player, but certainly also as a person. I am so grateful to be part of this club.”

Devoto has come a long way since the seven-year-old who started his rugby journey at Sherborne RFC. When he came through their youth section, his promise was noticed by Bath Rugby, who brought him into their youth academy at the age of 16.

His introduction to the big leagues came in September 2012, when he made his first-team debut against Wasps in a Premiership match. Four years later, and with a few final performances under his belt, Devoto arrived in Sandy Park to begin a new journey.

Since that day, he has established himself as a firm fan favourite, featuring in numerous knockout campaigns, winning titles and making his international debut for England – the last of his appearances for the Red Rose in 2020.

Although injuries have at times thwarted his momentum, Devoto has given his all to the recovery process, such was his passion for representing Chiefs.

The club would like to thank Ollie for everything he has given to Chiefs and everyone wishes him all the best for the future.