Tue 23 Apr 2024 | 11:58

Jonny Gray to exit Exeter Chiefs with immediate effect

In a club statement, Exeter Chiefs have confirmed the immediate exit of experienced lock Jonny Gray as he looks to explore other opportunities.

Although there has been no official confirmation regarding Gray's next venture, it has been widely reported that the 30-year-old is expected to link up with Bordeaux ahead of the 2024/25 season.

Unable to see the rest of the season out with Exeter, Gray is expected to use the next few months to continue his rehabilitation after damaging his knee cap in last April’s Champions Cup semi-final loss to La Rochelle in Bordeaux.

BORDEAUX, FRANCE - APRIL 30: Jonny Gray of Exeter Chiefs receives medical treatment during the Heineken Champions Cup Semi Finals match between La Rochelle and Exeter Chiefs at Stade Matmut Atlantique on April 30, 2023 in Bordeaux, France. (Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images)

“It’s a patella tendon injury, he has dislocated his kneecap" Exeter rugby director Rob Baxter at the time of the injury.

"Fortunately, the other major ligaments within the knee are all stable. It’s a relatively complex patella tendon injury, which is going to require surgery this week, and there is a relatively long period of rehab.

Gray was one of only three players left in the Chiefs side that won the double in 2020, with now only Henry Slade and Jacques Vermeulen remaining.

On Gray's Exeter exit, 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.”