Exeter Chiefs boss Rob Baxter believes that Len Ikitau is essentially the most important signing he has made since bringing one other Wallaby star, Nic White, to Sandy Park eight years in the past.
Wallaby inside centre Ikitau will be part of the Chiefs later this yr on a nine-month deal and turns into the third Australian to signal for the Chiefs in current months after hooker Julian Heaven and back-row Tom Hooper.
They’ll be part of Springbok hooker Joseph Dweba, Gloucester scrum-half Charlie Chapman and Italy scrum-half Stephen Varney, who’ve additionally agreed to maneuver to Devon later this summer season.
It’s believed that Rugby Australia will launch the 39-cap Brumbies ace Ikitau in the course of the Autumn Nations Series after enjoying in opposition to England, Italy and Ireland to take up his £400,000 short-term take care of the Chiefs.
Baxter hopes that Ikitau, who has scored 4 tries, together with a hat-trick in opposition to Fijian Drua, in seven appearances this season, will assist the Chiefs develop again into a number one Premiership membership.
“That is a part of us rising. Stuart Hogg and Johnny Grey had been nearly ending off a squad to try to win the European Cup. However for me, that is extra of part of our development, like once we purchased in Nic (White) and Dean (Mumm),” he stated.
“That was to drive us up the Premiership and make us aggressive within the Premiership in top-end Premiership video games.
“As soon as we’re on the proper finish of the desk, it’s the kind of signing that drives you over the sting.
“It’s simply one thing that we have to maintain shifting the staff ahead. Previously, now we have at all times tried to combine up what the squad seems to be and seems like, and that’s one thing now we have grown with and executed very well.
“However we haven’t been in a position to do this for the final two or three years as a result of we haven’t been able financially to do it, however issues have improved, and we will now make these strikes.
“Len Ikitau is a type of gamers that you just like just about every thing he does. He makes house for different folks. I believe the best way he scores tries, he is an efficient defender.
“He can play inside and out of doors centre to a world commonplace. In all of the interactions I’ve had with him, he looks like a real household man. There’s not rather a lot I’ve seen there to not like,” added Baxter.
As for the Brisbane-born Brumbies participant himself, Ikitau is wanting ahead to the brand new problem when the time comes.
“My household considers us very fortunate to get to have this expertise overseas with a membership that’s so iconic and revered, to not point out a spot that loves its rugby with passionate followers,” the 26-year-old stated.
“Talking to Rob and listening to his plans for the membership and his willingness to work with Rugby Australia for my long-term growth made me assured the transfer was the best one.
“Rob and the teaching workers have challenged me to take the following step as an on-field chief to drive success for the membership. We’re very excited to begin our UK journey, and we’re wanting ahead to assembly all of the loyal followers.”
