Iosefa-Scott set for France move when contract ends

Josh Iosefa-Scott scored Exeter's first try of the Prem season in the loss to Gloucester on Saturday [Shutterstock]Exeter Chiefs director of rugby Rob Baxter says prop Josh Iosefa-Scott is likely move to France when his contract ends next summer.

>Reports in France have linked the 30-year-old tight-head with a move to Provence after six seasons at Sandy Park.

>The English-qualified New Zealander has played 99 games in all competitions for the Chiefs since moving from Waikato in the summer of 2021.

>"I haven't had any confirmation of whatever club he's going to," Baxter told BBC Sport of the prop, whose current deal runs out in the summer.

>"I'm very aware we've been in contract negotiations with him, I'm aware he's got a very good offer in France."

Prop Iosefa-Scott agrees new Exeter deal to 2027 • >Exeter bring in Kiwi prop Iosefa-ScottIosefa-Scott has been called up to England's A squad and has been offered a new deal with the Chiefs.

>But given he is down the pecking order with England, Baxter says it makes sense for him to find the best deal he can for his and his family's future.

>Baxter has been impressed with the forward, who came to Exeter as a relative unknown and helped them reach last season's Prem final, where he scored a try in the 26-17 loss to Northampton at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham.

> "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'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.

>"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.

>"If nobody else wants your players that's probably a sign that you've got a group of poor players playing poor rugby.

>"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."