Iosefa-Scott set for France move when contract ends

Exeter Chiefs director of rugby Rob Baxter says prop Josh Iosefa-Scott is likely move to France when his contract ends next summer.

Reports in France have linked the 30-year-old tight-head with a move to Provence after six seasons at Sandy Park.

The English-qualified New Zealander has played 99 games in all competitions for the Chiefs since moving from Waikato in the summer of 2021.

"I haven't had any confirmation of whatever club he's going to," Baxter told BBC Sport of the prop, whose current deal runs out in the summer.

"I'm very aware we've been in contract negotiations with him, I'm aware he's got a very good offer in France."

Iosefa-Scott has been called up to England's A squad and has been offered a new deal with the Chiefs.

But given he is down the pecking order with England, Baxter says it makes sense for him to find the best deal he can for his and his family's future.

Baxter has been impressed with the forward, who came to Exeter as a relative unknown and helped them reach last season's Prem final, where he scored a try in the 26-17 loss to Northampton at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham.

"He came on what you call an opportunity-type contract, which is tough to come over with a young family early in your career and take that opportunity," Baxter said.

"He's done exactly what I want every player at Exeter Chiefs to do, to play in a way and inside a team that does well enough that if we can't offer them a good enough contract and someone else can offer a better contract then great, because that that shows they've played well in a good team and they've attracted interest and that's what looks after their careers.

"It's the positive way to leave the club, and I know that sounds a little difficult, but what do we want?

"Do we want to play play only at a level every year and only succeed as a team every year where nobody else wants our players.

"If nobody else wants your players that's probably a sign that you've got a group of poor players playing poor rugby.

"So for me these are positive issues for us to have and Josh is a great example of that in these last couple of seasons - that last season particularly, he had a very good, very consistent season. He's a big man with great skills."