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<\/p>\n‘We see him as a very multi-talented player who can slot in at 15 or wing’ says Rob Baxter<\/p>\n
21:00, 03 Sep 2026Updated 21:05, 03 Sep 2026<\/p>\n
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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)<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
READ MORE: Exeter Chiefs team news for Scarlets as Rob Baxter selects 35-man squad for friendly<\/a><\/p>\n Exeter director of rugby Rob Baxter said: \u201cCharlie is an exciting, young English-qualified player who has been playing for Manly Marlins over in Australia.<\/p>\n \u201cHe\u2019s 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\u2019t 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.<\/p>\n \u201cWe 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.\u201d<\/p>\n Poynton added: \u201cSigning 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.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m looking to make the most of the opportunity, keep improving every day and establish myself as a player at this level.<\/p>\n “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\u2019m really excited to get started and see what we can get done this year.\u201d<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n At the international level, in July 2024, Poynton was selected in the Australia U18s development squad by coach Shannon Fraser.<\/p>\n Exeter Chiefs on Whatsapp<\/p>\n Join DevonLive’s Whatsapp community for all the biggest Exeter Chiefs stories sent straight to your phone<\/p>\n DevonLive<\/a> is now on WhatsApp and we want you to join our community.<\/p>\n Through the app, we\u2019ll send the Exeter Chiefs by news, live match coverage, team news, transfers, fixtures, analysis and more straight to your phone.<\/p>\n To join our community you need to already have WhatsApp. All you need to do is click this link and select \u2018Join Community\u2019.<\/a><\/p>\n No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the DevonLive <\/a>team.<\/p>\n We also treat community members to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. If you don\u2019t like our community, you can check out at any time you like. If you\u2019re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.<\/a><\/p>\n