Long-serving Yeandle set to extend Exeter deal

Jack Yeandle is the longest-serving player in Exeter's squad

Long-serving Exeter hooker Jack Yeandle is close to signing a new deal at the Premiership side.

The 35-year-old is out of contract in the summer but Exeter director of rugby Rob Baxter says he is nearing an agreement to extend Yeandle's stay into a 14th season.

The Exeter-born forward has played more than 300 games for the club since joining from Doncaster in 2012.

He has been a part of the club's major moments, helping Exeter win two Premiership titles and the 2020 European Champions Cup.

"He's very good culturally in and around the club, as well as still playing very well," Baxter told BBC Sport.

"He's almost thriving in a role of just trying to keep people on course and on track and helping other people play well and focus.

"The good thing is I know he's very driven to carry on training and playing at the highest level."

Baxter says he has discussed a move into coaching with Yeandle, but that the forward is keen at this stage of his career to "focus on playing and being a competitive member of the squad".

With Jack Innard moving to Gloucester and Dan Frost off to Bath Yeandle will be the only hooker with substantial Premiership experience at exeter next season.

The club has moved to bring in South African Joseph Dweba and Australian Julian Heaven while academy products Max Norey and Louie Gulley will also push for game time.

"When you look at that group you can see we've got what we really need to be a frontline competitive team in that position.

"We've got to try and get to that kind of a depth chart in as many positions as we can."