Exeter Chiefs: Gareth Steenson signs new three-year deal

Gareth Steenson has scored 131 points this season, the most by any player in the Premiership

Exeter Chiefs fly-half Gareth Steenson has signed a three-year contract extension at Sandy Park.

The 30-year-old Irishman, who in the win over Saracens last week, will stay at the Chiefs until the summer of 2018.

Steenson moved to Exeter from Cornish Pirates in the summer of 2008 and helped the club win promotion in 2010.

"I'm absolutely over the moon with the new deal," said Steenson.

"You can see where the club are going and it's great to be part of it all. I suppose I'm one of the veterans in the squad, but to be part of all this not only now, but for the next year three years as well, is just fantastic.

"The Chiefs is a great club and hopefully we can progress even further over these next few years."

Steenson is the highest point-scorer in the Premiership this season, having kicked 131 points from nine matches so far.

His decision to sign a new deal comes after back and head coach Rob Baxter and his staff committed until 2018.

"Steeno has improved over a period because his gained more and more experience in the Premiership and in Europe and those experiences are vital in creating a top-quality player," Baxter said.

"On top of his kicking, there are elements of his game that are improving all the time. His defence this year has been the big marker for me. That's noticeably improved."