Thursday 18 December 2014 11:07, UK
Exeter Chiefs trio Don Armand, Will Chudley and Matt Jess have all pledged their long-term futures to the club.
Scrum-half Chudley, 26, and winger Jess, 30, have agreed terms on new three-year contracts that will kick in at the end of this season, while back-row forward Armand, 26, has a deal that will keep him at Sandy Park for the next two years.
I think keeping a group of players together who have been playing well is probably at the core of what we have done over quite a long time.
"All three are players that have shown really good form over both this season and last season,” said coach Rob Baxter.
"I think keeping a group of players together who have been playing well is probably at the core of what we have done over quite a long time. Yes, we have added players and yes, some have moved on, but our playing group has generally remained steady and relatively together.
"That allows you to build qualities and develop skills over a longer period. One thing I think we have done well in the Premiership is develop our skills and our players well over a period of time, not just week by week.
"I think that is what has allowed us to slowly progress as a side - we have not just thrown everything into winning that next game.
"Yes we want to win and prepare well, but ultimately we are looking to the future, and you can only really do that if you maintain a core playing group for a period of time.
"This is Don's second contract, Jessy's third or fourth, and Will Chudley's second too. These are guys that have come in, done well and now they are going to get more time. I am expecting and believing that they will keep performing well and getting better the more time they spend with us.”
