By Mark Stevens
17/8/22
Exeter Chiefs have bolstered their front-row options ahead of the new 2022/23 season with the signing of experienced Australian international Scott Sio.
The 30-year-old loosehead is Rob Baxter’s latest new addition, joining the club on a long-term deal from Super Rugby side, the Brumbies.
After 11 seasons with the Brumbies, Sio – who has been capped 71 times by the Wallabies – says the ‘time is right’ for him to experience a new challenge and the Chiefs is just that opportunity as he readies himself for the demands of both England and European Rugby.
“I’m super excited about the move,” he said. “It’s something new, something fresh and I’m really looking forward to the challenge. I’ve spoken to a few boys about the club and all of them have talked it up and said it’s a great place to go and play rugby.
“Having been at the Brumbies for so long, it’s going to be a different challenge of course, but it’s one that I feel I need. I’ve played over in England and Europe before at Test level, but having that weekly challenge is going to be something new.”
Sio has watched from afar games in both the Gallagher Premiership and Heineken Champions Cup and admits at being somewhat envious at the games being played out.
“It’s going to be good coming up against some of the best teams in Europe,” he added. “Watching the Champions Cup you can see it’s a pretty special competition and I know the Premiership is going to be just as tough.
“It’s going to be physical and a lot is put on you as a forward, but that’s one of the things that attracted me to coming over. I wanted to test myself in a new team and a new environment.”
Among those helping to sell the Chiefs culture are former players Greg Holmes, Dave Dennis, Dean Mumm and Nic White, all of whom enjoyed hugely successful spells at Sandy Park in recent years.
“Chatting with all those guys, they only had good words to say about the place,” continued Sio. “They told me the Chiefs are a great club, on and off the field, and that’ll I will enjoy every minute of it.”
Sio is Baxter’s sixth new signing of the close season, having already brought in Leinster duo Jack Dunne and Rory O’Loughlin, as well as Aidon Davis, Ruben Van Heerden and, more recently, Solomone Kata.
