Rugby Union
Exeter Chiefs Sign Australian International Centre Len Ikitau For Next Season
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Australian international centre Len Ikitau has signed for Gallagher Premiership outfit Exeter Chiefs for next season from Super Rugby side ACT Brumbies.
Ikitau, 26, has been capped 39 times by the Wallabies after making his debut in 2021.
In one of the worst-kept secrets in world rugby, reports have been linking him with a move to Sandy Park since the start of 2025.
Exeter Chiefs head coach Rob Baxter has previously expressed that Ikitau is the sort of player he would ‘love’ to have in his squad.
But now that is the reality, with Ikitau ing ahead of next season.
Speaking after the move was confirmed, the Australian said: “My family considers us very lucky to get to have this experience abroad with a club that is so iconic and respected, not to mention a place that loves its rugby with ionate fans.
“Speaking to Rob and hearing his plans for the club, and his willingness to work with Rugby Australia for my long-term development, made me confident the move was the right one.
“Rob and the coaching staff have challenged me to take the next step as an on-field leader to drive success for the club.
“We are very excited to start our UK adventure, and we’re looking forward to meeting all the loyal fans.”
The one you've been waiting for ⌛️
We are excited to confirm the g of centre Len Ikitau from ACT Brumbies ahead of the 2025/26 season ✍️
🗞️: https://t.co/PV2ppCLyWI#theJourney pic.twitter.com/bflChq3nf5
— Exeter Chiefs (@ExeterChiefs) April 23, 2025
Exeter Chiefs Head Coach Delighted With Len Ikitau g
Ikitau’s excitement was matched by Chiefs head coach Baxter.
He told BBC Radio Devon: “He’s playing very well, he’s very keen to experience something else.
“He’s talked a lot with the Australians who have been here at Exeter, they’ve all said that if he gets over here and throws himself into it, then he’ll have a great time, and that’s very much what we want him to experience next season.”
The Wallabies centre will link up with his new teammates in Devon following this summer’s British and Irish Lions tour to Australia, in which Ikitau is expected to play a big part for the home side.
He replaces the outgoing Joe Hawkins, with the Wales centre returning home to Scarlets at the end of his contract this summer.
“I’m very positive about the impact he can have, and our job is to create a team and an environment that lets all the individuals shine and what they’re good at,” said Baxter.
“And if we can do that with Len, we could see something very special.”
Ikitau won’t be the only Aussie arriving in Exeter before next season, though.
Fellow Wallabies internationals Julian Heaven (hooker) and Tom Hooper (back row) are also ing the Chiefs.
Len Ikitau: In Numbers 📊
Get to know our latest new g! #theJourney pic.twitter.com/hVOmd6Ws8X
— Exeter Chiefs (@ExeterChiefs) April 23, 2025
Exeter Hoping To Turn Around Recent Fortunes
Ikitau’s arrival is a statement g for the Chiefs, in a period where they have severely underdelivered.
The former Premiership and European champions have spent the past two seasons at the bottom end of the Premiership table, with some suggesting they are a spent force.
But Rob Baxter argues the g of Ikitau is evidence the club is back on an upwards trajectory.
He compared it to how former Wallabies Dean Mumm and Nic White ed the club and helped Exeter to win titles.
Baxter said: “To me this is part of us growing.
“They were there to drive us up the Premiership and make us competitive in Premiership top-end games, that’s how I would view it [Ikitau’s g].
“In the future he could be a g that, once we’re playing the right end, it’s an additional g that drives you over the edge, right here and now I think it’s something we just need to keep moving the team forward.”
Where To Watch Exeter Chiefs This Weekend
Exeter’s next match is on Sunday, 24 April when they travel to Kingsholm to face Westcountry rivals Gloucester in the Gallagher Premiership.
The Chiefs are ninth in the table and out of the playoff race, but could spoil the party for sixth-placed Gloucester, who are still aiming for a top-four finish.
Sunday’s game kicks off at 15:00 BST, and will be shown live on TNT Sports.