Jonny Gray leaves Exeter Chiefs after injury battle, Rob Baxter hails lock as 'big part of our journey'

Scotland international Jonny Gray has left Exeter Chiefs by mutual consent. 

Gray was an part of Chiefs' Gallagher Premiership Rugby and Champions Cup double during the 2019-20 campaign, featuring in both finals. 

The lock made 48 appearances during his time at Sandy Park, scoring 10 tries, but he has not played for Chiefs since dislocating his kneecap in last season's Champions Cup semi-final defeat by La Rochelle. 

Nonetheless, Chiefs director of rugby Rob Baxter insists Gray has been key to the club's domestic and European success since joining from Glasgow Warriors in 2020. 

"Jonny has been a big part of our journey in recent seasons," said Baxter.

"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."

Gray's dislocated kneecap also ruled him out of the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France, where Scotland were eliminated in the pool stages after finishing third in Pool B behind Ireland and eventual winners South Africa. The 77-cap second row could be set for a move across the channel after being linked with a move to a Top 14 club. 

Chiefs have battled through a difficult Gallagher Premiership Rugby season in Gray's absence. 

They currently sit five points off a play-off place in seventh with a record of eight wins and seven defeats after a 26-14 loss against Bath Rugby last weekend. 

Baxter's side are also out of European competition having been eliminated at the quarter-final stage of this season's Champions Cup by French giants Stade Toulousain.

Exeter Chiefs will take on Gloucester Rugby at Kingsholm Stadium on Saturday with their play-off hopes hanging by a thread. 

Despite the forward not featuring since April, Baxter believes that Gray has the talent to come back stronger when he returns to the field. 

"He has experienced some injury frustration during the end of his time with us," added Baxter. 

"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."

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