Josh Jones: St Helens forward in line for Exeter Chiefs centre role

Josh Jones is the first Super League player to move to Exeter Chiefs

Exeter Chiefs head coach Rob Baxter says St Helens forward Josh Jones could play at centre when he makes the switch to rugby union later this year.

The 22-year-old, who has played centre, loose forward and second row for Saints, moves to Premiership side Exeter on a two-year deal in November.

"We see him as a midfield back, probably a 12," Baxter told BBC Sport.

"We're looking at him as a back, that's where we think his attributes will be best suited in rugby union."

Baxter says that he and backs coach Ali Hepher were very impressed with Jones, who played rugby union as a youngster:

"We couldn't not sign him, based on his enthusiasm, and his desire to get involved in rugby union," said Baxter.

"It was very refreshing the way he spoke, the onus he put on himself to get the work done, study the game and get the time on the pitch to develop himself.

"He's aware it's a different game and there's things he'll have to learn, so we're not expecting him to just drop into the team and all of a sudden be some sort of Premiership superstar.

"But what we are expecting is, because of his attitude and desire to work and learn, that over a relatively short period of training with us and playing, that we will start to get the best out of him, and that's what makes it a comfortable decision."