Heaven-sent: Chiefs hook in Aussie replacement for Innard

Exeter Chiefs have wasted no time bolstering their front row, signing promising Australian hooker Julian Heaven following the upcoming departure of long-serving No.2 Jack Innard.

Innard, a familiar figure at Sandy Park, confirmed last month he’ll be heading to Kingsholm to join Gloucester next season, ending more than a decade in Chiefs colours. Now, Rob Baxter has moved swiftly to bring in 23-year-old Heaven, who joins from the Waratahs and is set to begin his Chiefs journey ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.

“It is a historic club in a city that loves its rugby,” said Heaven. “The team’s culture and playing style really stood out to me and I believe I can contribute to its success.”

Heaven arrives with Super Rugby and Top 14 experience, having made 10 appearances for the Waratahs since his senior breakthrough. His unconventional journey has seen him come through the NSW academy system, take a detour to Lyon, and return to Australia where he impressed for Shute Shield side Eastern Suburbs.

When injury hit the Waratahs’ front row earlier this year, Heaven stepped up — and made the most of his chance.

“Julian is a really exciting young hooker with a very interesting story around how hard he’s worked to get the opportunities he’s had,” said Baxter. “He’s someone who will definitely add to what we’re trying to achieve here… He wants to win things, he wants to go well. His story has already proven he’s prepared to take the tough route to get to where he’s been – that really impresses me.”

Meanwhile, Exeter Chiefs Women have added firepower of their own with the signing of Sofia Bekir Fuente. The Spanish-born hooker, who has also played for Western Force Women in Australia, will join Steve Salvin’s squad for next season.

Bekir Fuente’s is another remarkable story. A former water polo player and rower, she only picked up a rugby ball four years ago and quickly became a standout performer for Perth-based club Cottesloe.

“I feel this environment is going to allow me to develop and improve my rugby as a front-rower in a really welcoming way,” she said. “I want to give this opportunity a red-hot crack!”

Salvin, recently named interim head coach of the women’s team, is leading a revamped coaching set-up that includes backs and attack coach Oli Bishop and team manager Keith Brooking.

Both the men’s and women’s squads are in the midst of a summer of change - but with fresh faces, bold ambitions, and plenty of potential, Exeter’s front rows are in safe hands.