Newcomer excited to be at Chiefs

Exeter Chiefs newcomer Byron McGuigan says he is “excited” by the challenges that lie ahead after he today confirmed his move to the Aviva Premiership club.

The 25-year-old, who has previously played for Border Bulldogs, Glasgow Warriors and, more recently, Bay of Plenty in New Zealand’s ITM Cup, has agreed a short-term contract with the Chiefs until the end of the current campaign.

McGuigan is the latest addition to the playing ranks at Sandy Park after head coach Rob Baxter previously indicated he was keen to bolster his options, particularly in the back three.

Versatile, pacy and a proven finisher, Namibian-born McGuigan admits his move to the Westcountry came as a surprise, but having jetted in prior to Exeter’s LV= Cup win over visiting Gloucester on Saturday, he cannot wait to get his first taste of English rugby.

“I’m really excited,” he said. “I played against the Chiefs a couple of times last season with Glasgow and I know they are a great team, who play some really good rugby. When I got the message to say about coming here, I was just so excited.”

Fresh from action in New Zealand, McGuigan - who has represented Scotland at both Sevens and A level - says he cannot wait to get started with his new club.

“It was only a few days ago that I was chilling in Cape Town, flicking through my phone, and then the message came up about a possible move,” he explained. “I spoke to my agent, we had a chat about things and the next day I was on a flight over here, so I’m buzzing right now.”

Indeed, no sooner had McGuigan landed in England then he was watching his new team-mates kick-off the defence of their LV= Cup crown with a narrow 28-27 win against the Cherry & Whites.

Post-match, McGuigan admitted he was not only impressed by the Chiefs set-up, but also their fighting spirit in a hard-fought encounter.

“The crowd, the facilities, the style of rugby, the coaching staff, it’s all amazing,” he continued. “I’ve only been here a short time, but already I feel so welcome. All the boys are very friendly and I know one or two of the guys already, especially Moray Low who I played with at Glasgow.

“Watching the team today, you can see they play with a lot of heart. They didn’t give up, especially in the second half, so I’m looking forward to getting stuck into things.”