Exeter Chiefs statement: The immediate effect exit of Jonny Gray

Scotland international Jonny Gray has called time on his five-season stint with Exeter, the second row and the Chiefs coming to an agreement that has allowed the 30-year-old to exit Sandy Park with immediate effect.

It was last December when RugbyPass reported that the Scottish forward, a 2020 Heineken Champions Cup and Gallagher Premiership double winner for Rob Baxter’s side, was reportedly set to join Bordeaux for the 2024/25 season.

Gray still hasn’t played since dislocating his knee cap in last April’s Champions Cup semi-final loss to La Rochelle in Bordeaux and he has now decided to step away from Exeter even though they are still in the hunt to make the end-of-season Premiership play-offs.

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A statement read: “Exeter Chiefs and lock Jonny Gray have mutually agreed an early release from the club, with the Scotsman departing Sandy Park with immediate effect to explore other playing opportunities. The Scottish international has made 48 Chiefs appearances, scoring 10 tries.

“During his four years at Sandy Park, Gray has been an integral part of many successes for Chiefs – including playing in both matches of the Gallagher Premiership and Heineken Champions Cup double of 2020.

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“Gray was originally lined up as the Chiefs headline signing for the 2020/21 season before the pandemic meant he debuted during the restructured conclusion of the 2019/20 campaign. A product of Cambuslang Rugby Club, Gray followed older brother Richie into Glasgow Warriors colours in 2012.

“In eight years at Warriors’ Scotstoun home, Gray amassed 110 appearances, a PRO12 title, and had the Warriors captaincy bestowed on him at the tender age of 21 following the retirement of his mentor, Al Kellock.

“Joining a group of Scottish expats in Exeter in 2020 – Stuart Hogg, Sam Skinner, and Sam Hidalgo-Clyne also represented Chiefs during Gray’s tenure – the Scotsman soon made his mark in a Chiefs shirt. The club wishes Jonny all the best for the future.”

Director of rugby Baxter said:  “Jonny has been a big part of our journey in recent seasons. He has been a great figure to have amongst our squad, with his international experience and the physicality he brings to games – his tackle stats speak for themselves.

“He has experienced some injury frustration during the end of his time with us, but I’m sure Jonny will do everything he can to come back stronger as he moves on to the next step of his rugby journey. I’d like to thank Jonny for everything he gave to the Chiefs shirt, and I know the club and fans will join me in wishing him all the best for the future.”