Exeter Chiefs squad and salary cap strategy

By the Editorial Team · Tuesday, September 22, 2026

Exeter Chiefs have adopted a cautious recruitment approach while retaining significant salary cap space, allowing them to secure versatile players like Dallas McLeod and extend contracts of key contributors such as Henry Slade. Gloucester is increasing its squad spending by over £500,000 amid a rebuilding phase, adding high-profile signings like Jac Morgan and Jean Kleyn while managing contract renewals and departures under new management.

Exeter Chiefs and Gloucester are both navigating squad development and salary cap challenges ahead of the upcoming rugby season, with each club taking distinct approaches to recruitment and contract management.

At Exeter Chiefs, head coach Rob Baxter has continued a measured strategy, focusing on targeted acquisitions and infrastructure enhancement rather than high-profile spending. The club’s salary cap report for 2024-25 indicated that Exeter retained substantial room under the limit, despite significant signings in recent seasons, including Len Ikitau, who reportedly earned around £430,000 during his brief tenure. Ikitau’s departure has freed considerable budget space, allowing for the arrival of versatile players such as Dallas McLeod, a one-cap All Black expected to join on a reduced salary once New Zealand's National Provincial Championship concludes.

Baxter has overseen contract renewals for several key players, including England centre Henry Slade, whose decision on a contract extension option for the 2027-28 season is anticipated shortly. Other notable extensions involve fly-half Harvey Skinner and back-row Tom Hooper, with scrum-half Stephen Varney, a cost-effective recruit from the French second division, also receiving a salary boost. Exeter has bolstered its front row with the return of Georgian loose-head Nika Abuladze, replacing Scott Sio, and added promising talents like 20-year-old lock Oscar Beckerleg and 19-year-old Australian back three player Charlie Poynton, the latter brought in to mitigate the long-term absence of Campbell Ridl. Midfield options have been strengthened by the arrival of former Bath centre Will Butt and the continued development of Zack Wimbush.

Meanwhile, Gloucester has reportedly increased its squad expenditure by over £500,000 for the upcoming campaign as the club continues its rebuilding phase under new coaching leadership. Gloucester’s roster features marquee players such as flanker Jac Morgan, with fresh signings including Morgan and Dewi Lake from Ospreys, collectively estimated to earn between £650,000 and £700,000. The addition of lock Jean Kleyn, who has dual international experience with Ireland and South Africa, is viewed as a high-potential but injury-prone gamble expected to command a significant salary.

Fly-half Ross Byrne, in the second year of a three-season contract worth around £350,000 annually, has faced a challenging debut season, limited by injuries and strong competition from Charlie Atkinson, who is believed to have signed a contract extension starting next July. Gloucester is also engaged in contract renewal discussions for promising players Arthur Clark and Seb Atkinson, with several others, including Val Rapava-Ruskin and Will Joseph, due to become free agents at season’s end.

Additional moves include the return of scrum-half Dan Robson from Pau at a reduced cost compared to his predecessor Tomos Williams, and the arrival of Bristolian back-row forward Joe Joyce. Meanwhile, departures such as Matías Alemanno and Cam Jordan reflect ongoing squad turnover. Gloucester’s restructuring will also see consultant Chris Boyd contribute alongside newly appointed general manager Rob Burgess, whose recruitment expertise is expected to influence the team’s future direction.

Both clubs appear intent on balancing competitive ambitions with salary cap compliance, emphasizing strategic signings, player development, and infrastructure improvements as they build towards the new season.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.