Exeter Chiefs have announced the signing of Wales centre Joe Hawkins, who will join the club from the Ospreys at the end of the season.
The highly-rated centre is director of rugby Rob Baxter’s first major signing ahead of next season and arrives at the Sandy Park outfit on a long-term contract.
The 20-year-old has shone for both Wales and Ospreys this term and is a solid capture from Exeter, with Hawkins delighted to move to the Premiership team.
New challenge for Hawkins
“I’m really excited about the move,” Hawkins told Exeter Chiefs’ official website.
“It’s a new challenge for me and something a bit different, especially moving away from my home region, who I will always be thankful to for giving me the playing opportunities that I’ve had up until now. That said, it does feel a home away from home, especially with all the Welsh boys that are down there already.”
Indeed, he’ll link up with the likes of Oli Burrows, Dafydd Jenkins, Dan John and Christ Tshiunza, a quartet he has played alongside at Welsh age group levels.
“I know a few of the boys already, which will definitely help the settling in process,” added Hawkins. “I’ve spoken to a few of them and they’ve told me plenty of good things about the club and the culture that exists down there.
👏 Cap Cyntaf – Joe Hawkins
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Llongyfarchiadau Joe#WelshRugby pic.twitter.com/Oe8D56osbR
— Welsh Rugby Union 🏴 (@WelshRugbyUnion) November 28, 2022
“Also, chatting with Rob and Ali [Hepher], I liked what they had to say about how they want to play and how they want to create a new team capable of challenging at the very top. That really appealed to me, I wanted to be part of it, and I wanted to be there at the start of this journey.
“Over the years the Chiefs have been known for bringing through youngsters and giving them their chance on the biggest stages. I want to be part of that and I want to try and take the club onwards and upwards.”
That will be music to the ears of Exeter boss Baxter, who could not hide his delight at signing the promising back and is looking forward to working with him.
Baxter a fan of Hawkins
“Obviously, we’re delighted to have Joe signed on for next season and beyond,” he said.
“He’s someone we have had a close eye on for some time and he was someone I spotted when we were looking at footage of Daf and a few of the other Welsh U20s.
“As I’ve said, we do have players moving on at the end of this season, so it was important that we looked at the areas we needed to fill and that we brought in the right players. Joe, I think, ticks pretty much every box that we look for in a player and I’ve no doubt he’s going to be a great addition to the squad.
“You can see he’s clearly talented and that he has a bit of versatility about him as well having covered both centre and fly-half for Wales during the Six Nations. Like any player, we feel there are areas of his game that can be further developed, but he’s someone who we are genuinely excited about.
“I’m looking at him and others within the squad and thinking we are putting together a group of players who, I believe, can really take this club forward over the next few years and real challenge for honours.”
Ethan Roots joins Hawkins in Devon
Exeter also announced the signing of New Zealander Ethan Roots, who joins after spending the past two years at the Ospreys.
Roots, 25, initially moved to the Welsh region on loan in March 2021 as injury cover for Dan Lydiate, but made it permanent later that year.
The flanker has impressed this season and excelled in the Ospreys’ Champions Cup last-16 tie against Saracens on Sunday, despite being on the wrong end of a 35-20 scoreline.
“Everyone knows there are some big names leaving the club, but for me that is part of the challenge, I want to try and help fill those big shoes,” Roots said.
“It’s an exciting move for me and my family and I’m looking forward to having a crack at the Premiership for the first time.
“Chatting with Rob, he outlined the vision for the future of the club and how he wants us as players to lay the foundations for the years to come.
“As I said, I like a challenge and I like the thought of us being underdogs with a real point to prove. Exeter are an established club, one with great history and tradition, and for me it’s a great move for me at this time in my career.”
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