TOM O’FLAHERTY

Exeter Chiefs fans will need no introduction to the Sale Sharks winger, who made the switch from Sandy Park to the AJ Bell Stadium ahead of the current campaign.

A popular figure during his five-year stay in Devon, O’Flaherty not only helped the Chiefs to Gallagher Premiership glory in 2020, but was also part of the squad that lifted the Heineken Champions Cup the same season.

After joining the Chiefs in 2017 from the Ospreys, the Londonborn back made 96 appearances for the club, scoring 35 tries in the process.

O’Flaherty grew up in the nation’s capital and played his rugby for Dulwich College and then Blackheath before moving to Wales to study at Cardiff University.

He initially joined Cardiff RFC in 2013, playing four times and scoring four tries, before moving to Bridgend ahead of the 2014-15 season.

He also spent time in France, combining a university placement with playing at Montpellier’s Academy, but returned to Wales for the final year of his studies, taking up dual-registered terms with Bridgend and the Ospreys. It was whilst in Wales that Rob Baxter spotted the emerging talents of O’Flaherty and quickly brought him to Devon where he flourished.

On leaving the Chiefs, he said: “Leaving was tough, probably the toughest decision I’ve had to make. I’ve been fortunate to be part of a hugely successful club who each year are challenging for honours. Winning the double was the highlight.”