‘We see him as a very multi-talented player who can slot in at 15 or wing’ says Rob Baxter
21:00, 03 Sep 2026Updated 21:05, 03 Sep 2026
Rob Baxter, the Exeter Chiefs director of rugby waves as he leads his team into the stadium prior to the Gallagher PREM Final (Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images)
Exeter Chiefs have moved to add strength in depth on the wing by signing New Zealand-born teenager Charlie Poynton from rugby league side the South Sydney Rabbitohs for the 2026/27 season.
The 19-year-old has already arrived in Devon to boost Chiefs’ resources across the backline and will start on the wing in the second half against Scarlets in Saturday’s pre-season friendly to kick off the new campaign.
READ MORE: Exeter Chiefs team news for Scarlets as Rob Baxter selects 35-man squad for friendly
Exeter director of rugby Rob Baxter said: “Charlie is an exciting, young English-qualified player who has been playing for Manly Marlins over in Australia.
“He’s had a bit of time playing rugby league as well, so we see him as a very multi-talented player who can slot in at 15 or wing. Those are slots where we haven’t got too many options, as with Paul Brown-Bampoe injured and Immanuel Feyi-Waboso not available to play until later, following the international players’ break.
“We felt it was important to try to strengthen that position while we could. When Charlie became available, we looked at the qualities he could bring and the opportunities this could create for him. We felt it was a great fit.”
Poynton added: “Signing with Exeter Chiefs was an opportunity that really excited me. The club has a great reputation and a strong vision for the future, and after speaking with the coaches and everyone involved, I felt it was the right environment for me to continue developing both as a player and as a person.
“I’m looking to make the most of the opportunity, keep improving every day and establish myself as a player at this level.
“I want to contribute to the team wherever I can, help the Chiefs achieve their goals, and hopefully be part of a successful period for the club. I’m really excited to get started and see what we can get done this year.”
The talented teenager makes the switch to the Gallagher PREM from rugby league with the Rabbitohs. He signed with the Sydney-based NSWRL in October 2025, having impressed in their junior system in the SG Ball Cup and Jersey Flegg Cup competitions.
Educated at Barker College, Poynton can play winger or full-back and was part of the NSW Waratahs senior academy, aligned with their partner club, Manly Marlins.
At the international level, in July 2024, Poynton was selected in the Australia U18s development squad by coach Shannon Fraser.
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