Tomas Francis and Sam Hill sign new Exeter deals

Exeter Chiefs have today announced long-term contract extensions for Wales international Tomas Francis and centre Sam Hill.
Tighthead prop Francis is in the Wales World Cup squad and will remain at Sandy Park until 2017 with Hill’s contract with the Premiership club running up to 2018.
The contract extensions for the young duo, both first team regulars in Exeter’s successful 2014-15 campaign, will be a big boost as the Devon side look to break into the top four play-off after missing out on count back last season.
Francis, 23, has played in 26 games since joining Exeter last summer from London Scottish. The ex- Doncaster prop was called up to the Wales squad in March and gained his first cap in the World Cup warm-up win over Ireland last weekend in Dublin.
Head coach Rob Baxter said: “Tom has had one hell of a year. He did very well in the Premiership for us and has been noticed by international coaches
“We want to progress with him so we moved quickly to extend his contract. It was an easy decision for us. Despite what some people might have thought about him playing for Wales and whether that would change what he wanted to do with us, he has been pretty determined to stay in Exeter and extend his contract with us.”
Local lad Hill, 22, has been with Exeter since signing to its academy in 2010. He has since featured for England age groups as well as having a spell dual-registered with Cornish Pirates before breaking into the first team playing alongside current England star Henry Slade last season.
Baxter added: “Of all the players who are starting to get talked about and winning international recognition, Sam is probably the most underrated. To have him tied to the club for the next three seasons is fantastic.
“It delights you as a coach – to see one of your academy guys coming through.
“Sam has developed physically in the last couple of years and he’s been a great professional since he’s been here. I can’t speak highly enough of him and how he has performed in the last couple of seasons.”