Scrum-half Chapman crosses rivalry lines

Exeter Chiefs have added further firepower to their squad for next season with the signing of scrum-half Charlie Chapman from Premiership rivals Gloucester Rugby.

The 26-year-old half-back will make the move to Sandy Park ahead of the 2025/26 campaign, linking up once again with former Gloucester teammate Stephen Varney as Rob Baxter continues to shape his evolving squad.

Born and raised in Gloucester, Chapman came through the Cherry and Whites’ academy pathway after joining the club at age 14. His debut came in 2018, and he has since gone on to rack up more than 90 appearances for his boyhood club.

“I’m extremely excited to join Exeter Chiefs,” said Chapman. “Chiefs are a team with a rich history of success, and they have an extremely passionate fan base. I can’t wait to be a part of it.”

A graduate of Matson RFC’s junior ranks, Chapman also gained valuable experience during a dual-registration spell at Hartpury and featured in the A League before breaking into Gloucester’s senior squad. His breakthrough season came in 2020/21 and he was later named Gloucester’s Young Player of the Season for 2021/22.

He also has international pedigree, having represented Scotland U20s in the 2018 U20 Six Nations and Junior World Championship.

Rob Baxter, Director of Rugby at Exeter Chiefs, said Chapman was a player the club had been monitoring closely.

“We’re really pleased to have pinned down a second scrum-half signing. It was an area of our squad that we wanted to strengthen and create more competition,” said Baxter.

“Charlie has got a lot of experience in the Premiership already but is also a guy that’s looking for a new challenge and wants to look to potentially win things in the future.

“He’s got great physical attributes – great pace, very high fitness – so we think he could be very good at adding tempo and speed to how we want to play in attack. He’s a guy with great character, so we’re really looking forward to working with him.”

The move comes as part of a broader refresh at Sandy Park, with Rob Hunter stepping up as head coach and further additions expected across the coaching and playing staff.