Scotland lock Gray leaves Exeter immediately

Jonny Gray has not played since April 2023 because of a knee injury

Scotland lock Jonny Gray has left Exeter Chiefs with immediate effect to "explore other playing opportunities".

The 30-year-old moved to the Premiership side in 2020 but has not played this season because of a serious knee injury suffered during the Champions Cup semi-finals in April 2023.

The 77-times capped second row also missed the World Cup for Scotland last autumn.

Gray has been linked to a move this summer to a French Top 14 side.

"Jonny has been a big part of our journey in recent seasons," said Exeter director of rugby Rob Baxter.

"He has been a great figure to have amongst our squad, with his international experience and the physicality he brings to games - his tackle stats speak for themselves.

"He has experienced some injury frustration during the end of his time with us, but I’m sure Jonny will do everything he can to come back stronger as he moves on to the next step of his rugby journey."

Gray made 48 appearances for the Chiefs, scoring 10 tries, and was part of the team that won the Premiership and Champions Cup double in 2020 during his first campaign.

'Hoped he would return this season'

Analysis: Brent Pilnick, BBC Sport

Gray's departure ends a disappointing tenure at Exeter.

Having come in during the summer of 2020 he helped Exeter lift the Champions Cup title that autumn after a delay because of Covid-19.

He played 48 times for the Chiefs in total but had not featured since suffering a serious knee injury in last season's Champions Cup semi-final loss at La Rochelle.

Despite hopes that he would play this season, Gray has never returned to the playing squad amid rumours he may head to France in the summer when his contract expires.