Exeter sign versatile back Harris on two-year deal

Sam Harris has not played since February 2025 because of an ACL injury [Getty Images] Exeter have signed versatile back Sam Harris on a two-year deal from Bath for the 2026-27 season. The 22-year-old, who can play at full-back or fly-half, has made 14 appearances for the reigning Prem champions since his debut in 2022. However he has had limited game time in the past 18 months after suffering an anterior cruciate ligament in February last year on his return from a separate ankle injury, with Bath head of rugby Johann van Graan not expecting him to return before the end of this season.

"He's had the misfortune of having back-to-back injuries, which are now all just about sorted out," Exeter director of rugby Rob Baxter said. "We're expecting an awful lot of him in the future. Sam is one of those guys who has exceptional talent, so we're hoping that we can get him a period of being injury-free and help his development into more senior rugby.

"He's got some real strengths in his game. His ball-playing ability as second receiver, having played a lot in the fly-half position, is impressive. He's got very good speed, is very evasive and good in the air.

" Harris joined Bath's under-18 academy in 2022 and was named their breakthrough player of the year the following summer. He has also represented England at U18, U19 and U20 age grades. "After speaking with the coaches, I felt this was the right environment for a fresh start," Harris said.