Thanks for the memories says Phillips

James Phillips insists Saturday's win at Newcastle Falcons was the perfect way for him to bring down the curtain on his Exeter Chiefs career.

After four seasons at Sandy Park, the imposing forward is set for pastures new next season having sealed a move to Championship side London Scottish. However, he departs the Devon club not only with plenty of good memories, but safe in the knowledge that he has helped forge the Chiefs as one of the leading clubs in English rugby.

Recruited by Rob Baxter in the summer of 2010 after the Chiefs defeated former club Bristol in the inaugural Championship Final, the 26-year-old has since gone on to play 49 first team games, scoring seven tries in the process.

But for two serious injuries during his Exeter career, that appearance figure could well have been higher such is the on-field presence the Bristol-born forward brings to the team.

"Obviously it's tough to be leaving, but I've had four amazing years and made a huge amount of friends during that time," said Phillips.

"The Chiefs is a special place and I can't say enough good things about the lads, the coaching staff and the people involved - it's been a pleasure.

"At times it's been tough, especially when I've been injured, but the club have always got me through and now all I want to do is get playing regular rugby again and go from there."

Before exiting, though, Phillips was able to help the Chiefs to sign off their 2013/14 Premiership campaign on a high note as they defeated Newcastle Falcons 23-13 at Kingston Park to claim their ninth league win of the season.

"We wanted to finish on a high, so to come to Newcastle - which is a always tough place to go - and win was really good," added Phillips.

"Before the game we said we want to go out there and finish well and I think you saw all the lads went flat out to make sure that happened."

Although Phillips will be plying his trade in the Championship next season, the player himself still harbours hopes of returning to the top flight again in the future and says his experiences in recent years have only made him more hungry to succeed.

"I've had some really good memories from my time here, the first-ever game against Gloucester and the European game up at Dragons are two that really stand out," he added.

"As I said, I just want to get back playing on a regular basis and see where it goes from there."