Low says 'easy decision' to stay at Chiefs
Scotsman Moray Low says it was an 'easy decision' for him to agree terms on a new deal with Aviva Premiership side Exeter Chiefs.
With his initial two-year stay set to expire this summer, the former Glasgow Warriors prop has put pen to paper on a similar deal, tying him to Sandy Park until 2018 at least.
Low’s decision to remain in Devon is yet another timely boost for Chiefs head coach Rob Baxter, who has wasted little time in tying down new contracts for a number of his current squad, as well as adding a fresh sprinkling of new faces for next season.
“I’ve really enjoyed my first two years down here,” said the 31-year-old forward. “It’s gone well for me and the club is going places and competing well in all competitions. Obviously there is still lots to play for this season in the league, but going forward I just think it’s a great opportunity for me to hopefully win something.”
Having already amassed over 40 appearances and four tries for the Chiefs, Low will certainly be looking to add to that tally, as well as his ? international caps for Scotland.
Low was recalled by national coach Vern Cotter for this season’s Six Nations Championship and the Toprhins-born front-rower says it was his club form that played a key role in getting him noticed by his country.
“I knew I was coming to an ambitious club and that if things went well for me, I would get noticed by the Scottish coaches,” added Low. “Thankfully, I was noticed and the coaches said I had done well and that my performances for the Chiefs had helped get me selected again.
“From the outset I knew being at this club and being competitive would put me in good stead for international honours and it has done. Working with both Robs [Baxter and Hunter] is fantastic and I’ve seen big improvements in my game.
“Coming into the Premiership I always knew it would be a big test for me, especially around the scrums, but I’ve developed a lot over the last year especially and I’m showing that in my performances. Now, I just want to keep pushing on and working with the coaches to add even more to my game.@
As well as developing his game with the Exeter coaches, Low says the culture that exists - on and off the field - at the Chiefs is another reason why he was keen to hang around.
“When I was at Glasgow it was a close group and I thought going away from that I wouldn’t have that again,” said Low. “But coming here it’s probably an even closer group and the culture we’ve created is one that has helped us massively throughout the season.
“Like most sides we have got that bond on the field and in training, but here we take it away from the club as well. There is a really good connection and we’re all friends, so it makes a massive decision when you are out there fighting for the same cause.
“As I said, the first two years have been great for me and for my girlfriend. We’re both very settled down here, so in the end it was an easy decision to make.”
Looking ahead the battle for a starting spot will be just as tough for Low, who next term will have to deal with the arrival of highly-rated Aussie tight-head Greg Holmes, alongside the current batch of frontline props.
But what Low does have in his make-up, however, is that he can operate on either side of the front-row and his versatility will make him a key asset for Baxter’s grand plans moving forward.
He continued: “What’s good is that I have the ability to play both sides’ I’ve had the chance to show that this season and it’s a good strength for me to have. If it helps me get into the team than so be it, but whether it’s tighthead or loosehead, I just want to be pushing for a place in the team.”
Photo: Phil Mingo/Pinnacle
