Ospreys sign Exeter Chiefs backline utility Dan John ahead of 2025-26 URC season

The Ospreys have signed versatile back Dan John from Exeter Chiefs on a deal that takes effect ahead of the 2025-26 United Rugby Championship season. The announcement came one day after the 24-year-old was named among 20 players confirmed to be leaving Sandy Park at the end of the current campaign.

John, who was born in Cardiff, joined Exeter’s academy ahead of the 2020-21 season and spent six years at the club, making 33 appearances and scoring six tries. A former Wales Under-20 international, he is capable of covering multiple positions across the backline, an attribute that appears central to the Ospreys’ decision to bring him back to Wales.

“I’m really excited by the prospect of playing for the Ospreys in the BKT URC,” John said. “There are some quality players in the team and they play some exciting rugby. I think it’s somewhere that will help me take my game to the next level. I’ve spent so many years at Exeter and I’m incredibly grateful to the players, coaches and supporters for making my time at the club as good as it was. I’m looking forward to starting this new chapter of my career back in Wales.”

Ospreys head coach Mark Jones welcomed the addition, highlighting both the player’s versatility and the club’s broader recruitment philosophy. “He’s a versatile player that can affect the game from a few different positions and we think he’ll be well suited to the brand of rugby that we want to play at St Helen’s next season,” Jones said. “It was important for us to not only add depth to our backline but to add quality where possible, and Dan is someone that will definitely have a welcome impact on our options.”

Jones also pointed to the club’s commitment to nurturing Welsh talent as a factor in the signing. “As a club we place a high importance on developing Welsh talent, so this signing made a lot of sense for us on multiple fronts.”

John becomes the Ospreys’ second confirmed signing for next season, joining Wales wing Tom Rogers, who was recruited earlier. His arrival gives the Welsh region greater flexibility in the backs ahead of what the coaching staff have indicated will be an expansive style of play at St Helen’s.