By Mark Stevens
20/6/23

Dan Frost says he’s excited to be part of what is being called the ‘Next Generation’ at Exeter Chiefs after today signing a new two-year deal.

The 26-year-old hooker arrived at Sandy Park in October of last year following the collapse of former club Wasps out of the Gallagher Premiership. And he was immediately thrust into the fray, playing 13 times and scoring four tries.

Now, the Taunton-born forward is looking to kick on having secured his future with the Devonians moving forward.

“To be fair, after what happened at Wasps – which was incredibly sad for so many people – I was just so grateful to get the opportunity here at the Chiefs,” he said. “Coming back to the South West and being so close to my family, it was just a massive positive for me.

“However, staying in the Premiership was also key for me. When Rob [Baxter] spoke to me and said would I be keen to come down here, I literally jumped at the chance. Then, with the way things went last season, it was a pretty easy decision to make when they asked me to stay on.”

Now, Frost aims to be part of a youthful Chiefs squad, which will have a new look to it this season following the departure of a number of long-serving and experienced stars following the culmination of the 2022/23 campaign.

“It’s a young squad we have here, but it’s also an exciting one,” added Frost. “Coming in for pre-season, you can feel the excitement amongst everyone. At the same time, there is still a decent core of senior players who have stayed and that’s what we will use to blend everything together moving forward.

“People have seen in the past how Rob and the coaches here have created a young squad and taken them to the very top. Now, we’re looking to do the same, build that squad which, hopefully, can be here for many years to come and who can win us trophies.”

Frost was part of the Chiefs squad that reported back for pre-season training yesterday at Sandy Park and he expects the build-up to the new season to be as gruelling as ever.

“Pre-season is what it is, it’s like a necessary evil you have to go through,” added Frost. “It will be tough, they always are, but it’s where you set things up for the season. The mood amongst the boys is really good, really positive and that will only build between now and the start of the season.”

Although the Chiefs have seen England and British Lions hooker Luke Cowan-Dickie move on, Frost knows the battle for the No.2 jersey will be intense.

“There are threats everywhere in terms of not just my position, but right across the board,” continued Frost. “It’s good, though, it’s healthy competition and it just helps bring the best out in everyone.”

One man delighted to see Frost extend his stay is Director of Rugby Baxter, who added: “We’re delighted that Dan has decided to extend his stay with us. We saw last season when he came into the club, what a great addition he was to the first-team squad. Moving forward, I can only see Dan improving and getting better in all aspects of his play. It’s an exciting time for all of us heading into the new season and news like Dan deciding to stay with the club is just adding to the positive atmosphere about the place.”