Olly Woodburn, a versatile back for Exeter, is making waves with his recent performances, prompting the club's head coach, Rob Baxter, to consider extending his contract. At 34 years old, Woodburn shone during his first start at full-back in a thrilling victory against Saracens, showcasing his ability to adapt as he has also played in the center position over the past few seasons.
Since joining the Chiefs in 2015, Woodburn has made a notable impact, scoring 60 tries across 185 matches. However, his current contract is set to expire at the end of this season, which adds an element of urgency to discussions about his future.
"At this moment, it would be difficult to avoid discussing a contract extension for Olly, as he is clearly one of our standout players," Baxter shared with BBC Sport. He has been particularly impressed by Woodburn's flexibility on the field, especially as he competes for positions with younger talents like Immanuel Feyi-Waboso, Paul Brown-Bampoe, and Campbell Ridl.
Baxter recounted a conversation from a few weeks ago where he asked Woodburn if he would be willing to play full-back should the team decide to go that route. Woodburn readily agreed, saying, "fine, not a problem at all." This willingness laid the groundwork for his selection in the match against Saracens, and Baxter was thrilled with Woodburn's performance.
The decision to feature Woodburn in that particular role was strategic, and his successful outing has opened up possibilities for him to take on more games as a full-back, especially with younger players like Campbell progressing well and Paul returning from injury. This versatility is crucial for Exeter, particularly while Josh Hodge is dealing with a minor injury, as it provides the team with various options in the back three.
But here's where it gets interesting: how will Woodburn’s evolving role impact the dynamics of the team? Will the emergence of younger players push him out, or could his experience lead to a mentorship opportunity? The debate about balancing seasoned players with fresh talent is one that many teams face, and Woodburn's situation could spark varied opinions among fans and analysts alike. What do you think—should the club prioritize the development of younger players, or does Woodburn's proven track record warrant a longer tenure with the Chiefs?
