Rob Baxter ponders tighthead to replace Tomas Francis
BRISTOL, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 17: Tomas Francis of Exeter Chiefs is tackled by Henry Chavancy during the Heineken Champions Cup Final match between Exeter Chiefs and Racing 92 at Ashton Gate on October 17, 2020 in Bristol, England]. (Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images)
BY NEIL FISSLER
EXETER Chiefs boss Rob Baxter is still deciding about potential replacement tightheads for Welsh international Tomas Francis.
Francis is set to leave the Premiership and European double winners for the Ospreys this summer and Baxter has had feelers out to see who is available.
Baxter is mindful that he could be without first-choice Harry Williams for long periods with England duty but wants to give Marcus Street a chance.
He has also got Alfie Petch waiting in the wings while South African Maks Van Dyk hasn’t played a minute since he was signed following a spell with Harlequins.
Grondona injury blow for Falcons
NEWCASTLE Falcons have suffered a blow with recent signing Santiago Grondona returning to Argentina with a serious knee injury.
Back row Grondona joined Dean Richards’ Falcons just before Christmas from the Jaguares on a deal until the end of the season along with Mateo Carreras.
He moved to the Falcons shortly after making his Puma debut in their historic win over The All Blacks in Sydney and is now back in Buenos Aires.
