Lonsdale to leave the Chiefs

By Mark Stevens
1/3/22

Sean Lonsdale says it has been a ‘privilege’ to represent the Exeter Chiefs, but this will be his last season at Sandy Park.

The 24-year-old forward will end his six-year stay in Devon to move to United Rugby Championship side, the Dragons, on a long-term deal.

Recruited from Rygbi Gogledd Cymru (RGC) in North Wales during the summer of 2016, Lonsdale has been part and parcel of the rise of the Chiefs in recent seasons, featuring for the club in the Gallagher Premiership, Heineken Champions Cup and Premiership Rugby Cup.

To date, the Manchester-born forward has featured 60 times, scoring five tries, since his debut in an Anglo-Welsh Cup game away to Worcester Warriors in January 2018.

As well as featuring for the Chiefs, Lonsdale has also enjoyed loan spells in the National Leagues with both Plymouth Albion and Taunton Titans.

Although side-lined currently with a wrist injury, Lonsdale expects to be back in the near future and is hopeful of playing his part as the Chiefs attack on two fronts in the Premiership and Champions Cup before the end of the season.

Commenting on his departure, Lonsdale said: “I’ve loved every part of the last six years. I feel privileged to have been given an opportunity to be involved in such and prestigious club and I’ve learnt so much since being here – and not just in a sporting sense!

“The staff here are some of the hardest working people and come from the same perspective – wanting to improve you as a player and a person. It’s a special club and it has felt like a family to me.

“Thank you also to all the supporters who not only make Sandy Park such a special place to play, but who show their continuous support to the team, regardless of what happens.

“It was a tough decision to leave Exeter, but for the time being I’m fully focused on my rehab and getting back fit so that I can help the team progress further in the Premiership and Europe in any way I can.”