Jack Yeandle: Long-serving hooker agrees new Exeter Chiefs deal

Exeter Chiefs club captain Jack Yeandle has signed a new contract to stay with the Premiership side.

The 35-year-old hooker, who is the club’s longest-serving player, has scored 34 tries in more than 300 appearances.

The Devon-born forward joined Exeter from Doncaster in June 2012 and has been part of the sides that have won two Premiership titles and the 202 European Champions Cup.

“Jack is one of the players that’s been here, seen it, done it with Exeter Chiefs,” director of rugby Rob Baxter said.

“Without doubt, he’s one of the leaders who has really driven the culture here, and what we expect from players.

“The one thing he will do, and always has done, is turn up in pre-season training with the highest standards, the best fitness levels and works the hardest out of every other player. He still maintains that.

“He’s a great trainer, playing very well currently and someone who is a very good influence on both young and experienced players.”

The club has not disclosed the length of Yeandle’s new deal.

He provides continuity in the front row with the club losing Dan Frost and Jack Innard in the summer and bringing in Australian Julian Heaven and South African Joseph Dweba.

“This is a special place to me,” Yeandle told the club website, external. “It’s a club I watched for years, enjoyed back at the County Ground as a youngster.

“I’ve seen some pretty amazing games here at Sandy Park and got to play in some too.

“I have countless favourite moments from my time as a Chief. The amazing highs of winning finals, then the old cliché of the jokes that go on in the changing room or silly moments in the gym – it’s all of it.

“It’s also about seeing boys you train with go on to achieve amazing things – boys getting picked for their countries or going on British and Irish Lions tours. To watch them progress in their careers as well is an honour.

“It’s an amazing job, and I still pinch myself that I get to continue to do it.”