Exeter backs could be best assembled in club history, says boss Rob Baxter

Exeter boss Rob Baxter says his side’s set of backs have the potential to be the best-ever at the club.

Australia centre Len Ikitau has linked up with the Chiefs after the Rugby Championship and should be available next week.

He will add to an exciting set of three-quarters that includes England internationals Henry Slade and Immanuel Feyi-Waboso, as well as highly-rated 23-year-old winger Paul Brown-Bampoe.

“They’ve got the potential to be as good as any combo we’ve put together, when you actually look at it on paper,” said Baxter, who has led Exeter to two Premiership titles and the 2020 European Champions Cup.

“All the best combinations we’ve ever spoken about, they’ve all been part of great teams, haven’t they?

“The proof of the pudding for these four or five lads in the back line, whether they become a great combination, will be based on whether we become a great team or not.

“We’ll never really see the best of them if our pack of forwards doesn’t stand up or if we start to lose our way in our decision-making process around nine and 10 – all of those things have got to stand up for us.

“Without doubt, if the rest of the things we’re wanting to achieve happen, they could easily come through as one of the most successful groups we’ve had.”