Baxter wishes Cowan-Dickie best for the future
By Mark Stevens
5/12/22
Exeter Chiefs Director of Rugby, Rob Baxter, has given his blessing to the news that Luke Cowan-Dickie will leave the club at the end of the season.
The England and British & Irish Lions hooker has today confirmed he has signed a long-term deal with French Top 14 giants, Montpellier-Herault, bringing to an end a 12-year association for the Cornishman with the Chiefs.
Cowan-Dickie follows club-mate Sam Simmonds in moving across the English Channel following next year’s Rugby World Cup, but Baxter understands the reasons why two of his prized assets are moving on.
“It’s a little bit a sign of the times, but it’s equally a sign of where we are as a squad,” said Baxter. “Luke has been here a long time, played a lot of rugby for us and achieved a lot of success whilst here. He will tell you, he’s achieved most of the dreams he had when he was in our academy, but at some stage there is another step in their story.
“I would never expect him to be playing until his 50, but at some stage a player will come to an end, either that’s through them moving on or them retiring. Right now, this is the cycle we are on as a club and it’s my job to keep refreshing that cycle and the team, so that we get to that next level and we find the next Luke Cowan-Dickie.”
With 163 appearances and 36 tries to his name in a Chiefs jersey, Cowan-Dickie has been at the heart of Exeter’s rise in recent years. Baxter has watched on with great pride as the talented forward not only established himself as a proven performer in the Premiership, but also on the international stage with both England and the Lions.
“A bit like Sam and with lads before, Luke is a very good player and has been a big part of our success over the years. At the same time, I fully understand why he wants to move on. It’s a great time in his career to experiences something else. Montpellier are a good club, it’s the chance for him to experience something new, and financially it makes a lot of sense.
“Personally, I’m pleased for him because I always say to players, we want you to live your dream and achieve success together. Yes, success is winning games and winning potential trophies, but it’s also about playing well enough and being part of a team where people want you to give everything.
“I see this as a very positive move for Luke. It’s not like he is seeing out his career, he’s starting another chapter in his career. He’s won England caps; he’s won Lions caps; and if clubs are looking to recruit a world class hooker, he’s probably top of your shopping list. As I said, Luke goes with our blessing and I hope it all goes well for him. He’s been a fantastic guy to coach, a fantastic guy around the place and now the key things for us is that he has a great end to the season and that he achieves everything we can now.”