'Several frustrating years': Will Witty explains his Exeter exit

Will Witty has explained why he quit Exeter for the chance to join Perpignan in the Top 14. The 27-year-old bailed out of the Chiefs following three seasons under Rob Baxter and he has now spoken about the reasons why he chose to leave for France at a time when the English club were losing a raft of second rows. 

Jonny Hill (Sale) and Sam Skinner (Edinburgh) were other locks to part company with Exeter at the end of the 2021/22 season and Witty, who arrived at Sandy Park after six seasons at Newcastle where he made a January 2014 Anglo-Welsh Cup debut, has now spoken from Perpignan about his departure from the Chiefs where he made 30 appearances in three seasons.  

“It is a challenge that is both very refreshing and very exciting to have joined Perpignan,” said Witty to Midi Olympique, the French rugby newspaper. “It’s so different from anything I’ve known on and off the field. So far, I love it even though it’s way too hot for me.

“I was coming to the end of my contract with Exeter. I had several options in England but I wanted something completely different. Perpignan was the opportunity I had been waiting for. I was coming out of several frustrating years and I was able to see up close what makes great successes.”

Witty was only a bystander when Exeter clinched their precious 2020 European and Premiership double, but there were lessons from that situation that he has now taken to France with him. 

“I wasn’t in the team for the finals but I had my share in the adventure and I could see up close what makes the greatest successes: the work, the preparation, the mentality… It was a great experience, I learned a lot but I want to be a player in all of this from now on.”