Chiefs duo sign new deals

Scrum-half Haydn Thomas and back-row forward Kai Horstmann are the latest to put pen to paper on new contracts that will keep both players at Sandy Park until at least the summer of 2015.

Having already retained the services of Ian Whitten, Dave Ewers, Tom Johnson, Damian Welch, Jack Yeandle and skipper Dean Mumm in recent times, the news that both Thomas and Horstmann are hanging about is yet another boost for the Chiefs leader.

“First and foremost we’re really pleased with how both guys are playing,” said Baxter. “The other part of it is we’re really pleased with the kind of men they are, their personalities around the squad, the way they train.

“When I’ve been watching the squad work together, I think they’re two very important people to us.”

He added: “It’s great to see Kai fit for the whole season this season and getting as much game time as he has. I think he’s proved what a good Premiership performer he is.

“Haydn has been a bit unfortunate with a couple of niggly injuries this season, but we know he’s a solid Premiership performer. He’s in a position with a lot of competition now with Dave Lewis, Will Chudley and Stu Townsend starting to come through from our academy, but his experience in the Premiership is invaluable in keeping a strong squad.

“As I said, I’m really pleased these two guys have re-signed with us.”

As well as retaining some key personnel, Baxter has already venture into the market for next season bringing in international stars Thomas Waldrom from Leicester Tigers and Moray Low from Glasgow Warriors.

Others are sure to follow in the coming weeks ahead, but Baxter feels the make-up of his squad for next term is already beginning to take shape nicely.

He continued: “You look at how the squad is coming together for next year, with Moray Low coming in to fill one of our tight-head slots, Thomas Waldrom coming into the back-row, we’re starting to look like a very good, competitive squad again.”

"We’ll be bringing in another tight-head prop, we’ll be bringing in another lock and a midfield back. We have also got some re-signings to do with some of our academy players as well.

“The news of the other contracts being signed will come out over the next month or two, but our squad is almost complete for next season.”