Will Rigg: Exeter Chiefs sign centre from Championship side Coventry

Will Rigg started Coventry's win over Saracens and draw with Harlequins in the Premiership Rugby Cup in September

Exeter Chiefs have signed centre Will Rigg from Championship side Coventry.

The 23-year-old moved to Coventry in the summer of 2022 having previously played university rugby, and has scored 14 tries in 31 appearances.

Exeter director of rugby Rob Baxter said Rigg had been signed immediately to provide cover due to injuries and players missing for the Six Nations.

"We've ended up a little thin on the ground with some of our midfield options," Baxter said.

"When the opportunity came for Will to join early, we sat down with Coventry to agree his joining us with immediate effect, so it's all come around very quickly.

"We've got a good working relationship with Coventry, and we'd like to thank them for helping us make Will's transition work."

Baxter, who was already looking at signing Rigg for the 2024-25 season, said he can see a "level of improvement in him".

"What we've seen is someone who could add something different to our current options," he added. "He's a very direct, abrasive ball-carrier and a big, physical guy."

Coventry are third in the Championship table and head coach Alex Rae said Rigg had been one of the "stand out performers" in the league this season.

"It's a credit to his team-mates and Coventry that he's been in a position where he can kick on," Rae told BBC Coventry and Warwickshire.

"At the same time you're really disappointed because he has been a big part of what we're about, but it's a really good opportunity for other players to step up.

"It's a good message for the squad that if you work really hard that opportunity is there. That's kind of what we are now. We can't go into the Premiership so let's push players on."