Aviva Premiership
Exeter sign James Short from London Irish
ESPN Staff
July 23, 2015
James Short poses for a BT Photocall while playing for London Irish
James Short poses for a BT Photocall while playing for London Irish© Tom Shaw/Getty Images for BT

James Short has become the latest recruit to join Exeter Chiefs this summer, signing a one-year deal at Sandy Park from Aviva Premiership rivals London Irish.

Chiefs coach Rob Baxter has been keen to strengthen Exeter's backline following the departures of Fetu'u Vainikolo and Tom James at the end of last season, with 25-year-old Short seen as an ideal replacement.

The winger has played over 70 times in the Premiership, with spells at both Saracens and Wasps, and scored the only try in the 2011 final at Twickenham as Sarries clinched the title.

"I'm excited about the move, it's a new challenge for me, but one that I am very much looking forward to. Exeter are a great club, they have a great set-up and you only have to look at recent seasons to see they are a club who are on the rise," Short told Exeter's official website.

"Even in that first year in the Premiership, you could see they were a force to be reckoned with. Each year they've got better and better and they were unlucky not to get into the play-offs last season.

"They play a great style of rugby and having spoken to Rob [Baxter] he puts a great emphasis on the team working hard for one another. Every time you play against them, you know you're always going to get a tough, physical game."

"The Chiefs have made some great signings this summer to what was already a very strong squad, I hope I can add my bit to it all. First and foremost, I just want to get down there, work hard during pre-season and show what I can bring to the team. I've not really set myself any goals as such, but I know what I can do and hopefully I can show that to the coaches.

"Playing in the Champions Cup will be great, obviously I got to experience the old Heineken Cup when I was with Saracens and it's a great competition to be involved in. You know you'll be playing against the very best teams in great stadiums, so it's a great platform for any player to show what they can do at such a good level."

"I know from playing at Sandy Park what a great atmosphere they get at the ground on match-days. Every time I've been there I've gone away thinking it's one of the best in the league in terms of support and noise, so it will be great to have that kind of backing behind me."

Short was granted an early release from his contract with Irish, where he made 19 appearances and scored five tries during one season at the Madejski Stadium.

Irish head of rugby operations Glen Delaney said: "James has asked to be released from his London Irish contract and the club is happy to adhere to his wish. We have plenty of options in the back three so we are in a good position to allow James to leave."

© ESPN Staff

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