Hayes extends Exeter tenure

John Hayes may have finished his rugby career this season but younger brother Tommy has no intention of following suit with the news that he will today sign a new two-year deal with Exeter Chiefs in England.

The 32-year old, who has also lined out for Bruff, Shannon, Munster and Plymouth Albion, has been with Exeter since 2008 and the Devon side currently lies fifth — one place outside the play-offs — in the Premiership having been promoted in 2010.

The Chiefs have been home to a number of Irish players in recentseasons but David Gannon (lock), Eoghan Grace (flanker), Ruaidhri Murphy (prop) and Paul McKenzie (centre) all departed last summer while prop John Andress joins Worcester at the season’s end. That still leaves Hayes and out-half Gareth Steenson at Sandy Park although the latter has had to play second-fiddle to Argentinian Ignacio Mieres for most of the season.