Exeter Chiefs extend scrum-half Pat Phibbs' contract

Phibbs has played two games for Exeter, both in the LV= Cup

Exeter Chiefs have extended the contract of scrum-half Pat Phibbs until the end of the season.

The 30-year-old Australia 'A' international joined Exeter on a short-term deal as World Cup cover for Samoa international Junior Poluleuligaga.

"Pat's deserved it, he's earned it the hard way," head coach Rob Baxter said.

"He's played very well, he's been very good around the club, we've been very impressed with him and we're very pleased to be keeping him."

Phibbs, who played Super Rugby with the Brumbies in Canberra, made his debut as a replacement in the 35-9 LV= Cup win over Ospreys last month and made his first start a week later in the loss at Saracens in the same competition.

But Baxter told BBC Radio Devon that the Australian has some great assets to give to the Chiefs.

"He's a good organiser and a good leader. He's captained the side in a couple of A games and that's brought the best out of him.

"He's a confident guy and he can read a game very well on top of being a good player."

The Chiefs have four scrum-halves at their disposal including first-choice Hayden Thomas and former Saracens and England sevens player Kevin Barrett, as well as Phibbs and Poluleuligaga.

"We've got a lot of good scrum-halves here, they all bring something a little bit different, and sometimes that's what you need and they bring the best out of each other."