Francis pens new Chiefs deal

The York born prop has had a year to remember following his move from London Scottish last summer. With over 26 appearances for the Exeter Chiefs last season, Francis' stock has risen quickly and was named in the Aviva Premiership Team of the Year alongside team mates Colin Slade, Dean Mumm & Dan Ewers. 

It is little wonder that Baxter is hell bent on keeping such talent at his disposal and he has spoken of his delight after Francis committed to the club. 

“Tom has had one hell of a year,” said Baxter. “He did very well in the Premiership for us and has been noticed by international coaches. He’s taken each step as it has come and I am really pleased for him. “We want to progress with him as well so we have moved pretty quickly to extend his contract and that is what you have to do as a club. 

When you bring these players on board and they do well, the sensible thing is to move on quickly and keep them part of your club. “It was an easy decision for us. Despite what some people might have thought about him playing for Wales and whether that would change what he wanted to do with us, he has been pretty determined to stay in Exeter and extend his contract with us. “It was easy for us and for Tom, and I am really pleased he has decided to extend his contract. Hopefully he’ll be an Exeter player for many years to come.” 

Indeed, Baxter believes there will be more to come from the talented forward. He added: “Tom signed for us from a Championship club and has outgrown the contract he signed with us. From a club perspective, you want to keep that quality together for an extended period. I am a firm believer in when you have the players you want, you don’t want to go changing things. “For Tom, it is recognition at how well he has done for us this year. It works both ways. We want to pin him down and keep the squad together and consistent, but it is also nice to say well done to Tom for the positive things he has done for us.”