Baxter backs Wimbush to seize Exeter's No.12 shirt after Ikitau departure

Rob Baxter has identified Zack Wimbush as the man to fill Exeter Chiefs’ midfield void this season, backing the 22-year-old centre to deliver on his potential after what the head coach described as his best-ever pre-season ahead of the new Gallagher Premiership campaign.

Wimbush, who weighs in at 112kg and qualifies for both England and Wales, was largely restricted to Premiership Cup appearances last term alongside a loan spell at Plymouth Albion. That limited exposure looks set to change sharply this season, with Baxter placing him alongside Bath recruit Will Butt as the primary candidates for the No.12 jersey left vacant by Australia international Len Ikitau.

“I look at how Zack Wimbush has had a very, very good preseason,” Baxter said. “Probably that grown-up ‘This is my season, this is the one I’m going to put my foot down’ type of season. It’s by far been his best preseason. He looks very good, we’re expecting a lot from him in this block. Will Butt’s come from Bath, he’s also trained really, really well, fitted in really well. Those two are probably lined up in that No.12 slot, as to who can fill that role.”

The competition at inside centre will intensify once All Black Dallas McLeod arrives following the NPC, with Baxter confirming McLeod as the long-term replacement for Ikitau. In the meantime, the opening block of the season represents a genuine opportunity for Wimbush to stake his claim.

At 6ft 6in with an offloading game to match his physicality, Wimbush possesses the profile that Test coaches covet, though he does not currently appear to be in the thinking of England head coach Steve Borthwick or Wales counterpart Steve Tandy — particularly with a World Cup year on the horizon.

Beyond Wimbush, senior flanker Ethan Roots has highlighted a cluster of younger players he expects to make an impact. Chief among them is 21-year-old wing Campbell Ridl, who scored a try and produced a try-saving tackle in last season’s Premiership final.

“Campbell Ridl, we saw lots of him last year, but I think he’s probably going to break through,” Roots said. “He’s got his work cut out for him with our back three, but he’s going to have a big year.”

Roots also pointed to local product Louie Gulley and former Harlequins scrum-half Jake Murray as players capable of forcing their way into contention. “Louie Gulley — he’s in the top running group and everything. He’s had a phenomenal preseason. And then, outside of that, maybe Jake Murray, the new nine that’s come in. He looks pretty sharp.”

Exeter open their Premiership season at home to Gloucester at the end of the month.