Exeter lock Bell signs new contract

Highly-rated young lock Alfie Bell has yet to make a league appearance for Exeter

Exeter lock Alfie Bell has signed a new deal with the Premiership club.

The 22-year-old former England Under-20s player joined Exeter after Wasps collapsed in 2022, alongside Immanuel Feyi-Waboso and Greg Fisilau.

He joined Championship side Cornish Pirates on loan in January, having played two Premiership Rugby Cup games for Exeter in the previous two campaigns.

"We're really starting to see the true potential that we spotted in Alfie when we signed him from Wasps come to the forefront," said Exeter director of rugby Rob Baxter.

"He had a tough time when he first arrived with a very serious shoulder injury.

"That took a long time to settle down and allow him to get back into rugby but he's been doing that with some regular game time.

"We were really keen to get him into senior rugby and he's doing well with Pirates currently, becoming a starter there.

"He's learning now in a senior environment and we're hopeful he is one of those guys who will come through for us to be a senior lock in the coming seasons."

Exeter have not disclosed the length of Bell's new deal at Sandy Park.