Ehren Painter: Exeter prop signs new contract

Exeter prop Ehren Painter has signed a new deal with the Prem club.

The 28-year-old tight-head has returned to action with the Chiefs in the past few weeks after 15 months out with a torn anterior cruciate knee ligament.

Painter joined Exeter in March 2023 from Northampton and has gone on to play 32 times.

The former England youth player featured twice for Cornish Pirates earlier this month as he upped his rehabilitation from injury and was part of the Exeter XV that beat Cornwall last week.

“Ehren has had a tough year with a severe injury, but we know he’s a very good prop, especially at set piece,” Exeter director of rugby Rob Baxter told the club website., external

“We’ve seen him do really well through rehab, he is moving well so we’re seeing him start to get back into action in some of our fringe games like the friendlies against the Royal Navy and Cornwall.

“We know how many good props we need in our squad over the course of the season to make sure we stay competitive in all the competitions.

“So, what I’m really trying to build here is a squad with the depth and ability to compete in all areas and allow us to cover injuries or rest and rotation.

“Ehren forms a really important part of the puzzle that is coming together for us.”

Exeter have not specified the exact length of Painter’s new deal.