Nixon's joy at becoming a Chief

By Mark Stevens
13/8/21

Sam Nixon says it’s a ‘dream come true’ to return to the Westcountry after he was today confirmed as one of two new signings at Exeter Chiefs.

The 24-year-old returns to the Gallagher Premiership after a season in France, where he featured prominently for Bayonne in the Top 14.

Before that, the Dorchester-born tight-head was part and parcel of Bath’s squad, where he ran out for them in the Premiership, Heineken Champions Cup, as well as the Premiership Rugby Cup.

Now, he’s looking to be part and parcel of the much talked about Chiefs pack of forwards, who are quietly readying themselves for the start of the season next month.

“I’m massively looking forward to things,” said Nixon. “For me, it’s a dream come true to come back to the South West and play for a great club so close to home.

“Over the years, I’ve come up against Exeter a few times and you know it’s always going to be a tough test for you as an opponent. They’ve lead the way for a long time and just turning up for training here, you can see the standards are at a new level.

“I’m just going to get stuck into the training, listen to the coaches and just soak up as much info as I can to help me improve.”

Having experienced the Premiership before, Nixon - who also enjoyed a loan spell with Plymouth Albion during the 2016/17 season - is well versed in life in English Rugby’s top flight, but he believes his French experience will also serve him well as he prepares to embark on his new challenge with the Chiefs.

“I won’t lie, it was a weird one, especially with the whole Covid thing,” he added. “It was, however, a good experience and I learnt a lot. The fans over there were unbelievable, very passionate, and that just helped bring the best out in me.”

And now Nixon hopes to take his form from last season into this latest campaign, where the Chiefs will be looking to bounce back from their narrow defeat to Harlequins in last season’s Premiership final at Twickenham.

“Pre-season is always tough, wherever you are,” continued Nixon. “That said, everyone has turned up in good nick, everyone is working hard and we’re just looking to hit the ground running. For me, it’s good to be tested every day and see where I am. Hopefully, pre-season will go to plan and that I’ll put myself in with a shout for selection that first week.”