Exeter prop Iosefa-Scott set for France move, says Baxter

Exeter Chiefs look set to lose Josh Iosefa-Scott to France when his contract expires next summer.

Director of rugby Rob Baxter said the 30-year-old tight-head prop is likely to head across the Channel. A tight-head is the front-row forward who packs down on the right of the scrum, the engine room of union's set-piece. Baxter told BBC Sport he had no confirmation of the destination.

Reports in France have linked Iosefa-Scott with Provence. Baxter said Exeter have held contract talks with the player and offered him a new deal, but added that he has “a very good offer in France”.

That is a blow for Exeter. Iosefa-Scott is an English-qualified New Zealander who joined the Chiefs from Waikato in the summer of 2021. He has since played 99 games in all competitions for the club.

He scored a try in last season’s Premiership final, English club rugby’s title decider. Exeter lost that game 26-17 to Northampton at Twickenham.

His form has pushed him into international contention. He has been called up to England’s A squad, the second-string national side that sits one step below the full Test team.

What makes this stand out is timing. Exeter want to keep a proven, durable front-rower entering his peak years. French clubs can often outbid Premiership rivals. For supporters, it is a familiar tug-of-war.

Baxter has not closed the door entirely. Exeter’s offer remains on the table. But his language points one way, to France.