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22 Oct 2025

Chiefs recruit a new back row

Martin Moloney has joined the team in time for the new season

Chiefs recruit a new back row

The Kildare-born forward Martin Moloney has officially joined the Exeter Chiefs ahead of the 2024/25 season.

The Chiefs have recruited the back row player after he spent the majority of pre-season on trial in Devon from URC giants Leinster Rugby.

Martin will leave the Irish province after 11 appearances for the senior squad, having debuted against rivals Munster Rugby in April 2021.

“I am hugely excited to be joining the Exeter Chiefs squad this season,” Martin said.

“Watching how the team has performed over the last few years and the style of rugby that they play here, it is clear that now is a great time to be joining the club.

“Having been here for the last two months, I have learnt a lot more about the rich history of this club.

“I look forward to representing the club this season and helping this group add to the legacy that is already here.”

The 24-year-old started playing rugby with community-based club, Athy RFC, while at Knockbeg College in Carlow. 

From there, he progressed to Old Belvedere RFC in the Energia AIL competition, otherwise known as the All-Ireland League.

While studying for a Business and Legal Studies degree at the University College Dublin, Moloney was part of the Leinster Academy and benefitted from the tutelage of experienced coaches. 

Feeling positive about the recruitment, Director of Rugby, Rob Baxter, said: 

“Martin has now joined up with us for the remainder of the season. He’s a young guy who’s had some injury issues at Leinster and took an opportunity to come to us on a long-term trial. We initially extended that period, having watched him train for a month, to include the recent double header games.

“I thought he did really well in our London Scottish and Cornish Pirates games. He’s trained really well for us and will give us a different option in the back row but also strengthen us in a position where, with players leaving and injuries, we’ve not got the strength in depth that we’ve had previously.

“He certainly adds a different dimension over the ball and around the contact area for us. So, we’ve been delighted to agree a contract with Martin to keep him with us until the end of the season.”

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