Witty seals move to the Chiefs
By Mark Stevens
17/3/19
Will Witty says he is looking forward to a ‘fresh challenge’ when he arrives at Exeter Chiefs next season from Gallagher Premiership rivals Newcastle Falcons.
The 24-year-old lock is Rob Baxter’s second confirmed new signing ahead of the 2019/20 campaign and joins the Devon club on a two-year deal.
Hailing from North Yorkshire farming stock, Witty joined the Newcastle Falcons Academy in November 2013 after impressing for the club in the Aviva A League, whilst also helping England Under-18s to a 23-3 victory over Australia Schools.
Witty, who came to the region to study at Newcastle University, made his first team debut for the Falcons in their 2014 European Rugby Challenge Cup game against Bucharest Wolves, a game which saw him cross the line for his first senior Falcons try less than two minutes in.
Since then, he has continued to play a significant role for the club in all competitions, including last season where he was a key figure in the Falcons side that reached the Premiership play-offs, only to lose out to the Chiefs at Sandy Park.
Although the Falcons have found matching last season’s achievements much harder this term, Witty is looking to finish his stay at Kingston Park on a high note, ensuring the North East outfit preserve their top-flight status.
“Obviously, I’m looking forward to the move down to Exeter, but before all of that I’ve got a big job to do for the Falcons between now and the end of the season,” said Witty, who has previously represented England at U20, U19 and Student level.
“From the moment I joined the Falcons, they’ve been brilliant with me and they aided my development into the player I am now. However, the time is right for me to try a fresh challenge with the Chiefs.
“They are a top club, the facilities down there are fantastic, and the support they get from their fans is fantastic. Over the last few years I’ve got to play against them quite a bit and it’s always been incredibly tough. I like the way they play, they are very physical, and as a forward, they are very good at the set-piece and when they get close to the line.
“It’s going to be a new start for me and certainly a big test. They [Exeter] have some very good forwards, so I know I’m going to have to work hard, but as a player you want to be tested in those kinds of environment.”
