Dallas McLeod: Exeter sign New Zealand centre on three-year deal

Exeter Chiefs have signed New Zealand centre Dallas McLeod from Crusaders on a three-year deal from the 2026-27 season.

The 26-year-old, who has also played on the wing, has made more than 50 appearances for the Super Rugby side since joining them in 2020 from Canterbury.

McLeod was the vice-captain of New Zealand Under-20s for the Junior World Championship earlier in his career before winning his sole All Blacks cap in 2023.

McLeod follows fellow midfielder Will Butt from Bath in joining the Chiefs next season, with Len Ikitau set to return to Australia having only signed a one-year deal with the club and Will Rigg leaving to join Newcastle Red Bulls.

He is the fourth signing made by director of rugby Rob Baxter for the next campaign following Butt, forward Harry Wilson from Saracens and Georgia prop Nika Abuladze.

Baxter said centre is an area the club have been looking to strengthen in.

“He’s a very experienced player playing in a very good, very consistently high performing team in New Zealand,” Baxter said.

“He’s still a player in his prime, someone who looks very consistent with high accuracy in his game.

“We see him as a really important part of our jigsaw puzzle going forward.

“We’re expecting an awful lot from him and from the group. With him joining Will Butt and Henry Slade as well as the young centres we’ve seen emerging recently in the Prem Rugby Cup, we feel we’re developing a strong group of midfielders.”