Gallagher Premiership outfit the Exeter Chiefs are reportedly on the verge of signing Wallabies star centre Hunter Paisami.
Based on reporting in Australian news outlet The Roar, the 26-year-old Reds midfielder is weighing up a move to England despite an extremely impressive Super Rugby Pacific season to date.
Paisami was reportedly only offered a one-year contract by Rugby Australia, whilst the Chiefs are willing to make a longer-term commitment.
Already confirmed to be departing for Chiefs Premiership rivals Leicester Tigers, fellow Wallaby centre Izaia Perese announced his departure on March 21st.
Should Paisami follow suit, it would be a major blow for new Wallabies head coach Joe Schmidt, who will face both Wales and Georgia in July before starting their Rugby Championship campaign against World Champions South Africa in August.
Speaking about the potential move former Wallaby Matt To’omua said, “I’m a huge fan of Hunter.
“It was nice hearing on the telecast, you can tell that Sonny Bill [Williams] is trying to get a comment on Hunter because he sees there’s a lot of potential.
“For me, he’s now a triple threat: he can pass, run and kick at a very good level.
“I think he’s a guy you’ve got to fit in somewhere. He can play 13, but we saw Lenny Ikitau return over the weekend. There might be a concern of the size of those two in the centres but in terms of physicality they well and truly tick those boxes.”
Echoing these sentiments, former Wallabies backrow Stephen Hoiles said, “How important is he to the Reds?
“They’re a different side with him. He missed a lot of footy last year, been in and out this year, he’s so valuable.
“If a game isn’t going their way, he can lock down and hit blokes for fun. If he needs to carry hard, he can distribute, he’s really evolved his game.”
Adding his view on the situation, former Wallaby centre Morgan Tuirnui spoke about Paisami’s development as a player.
“He’s a much more complete footballer. He was great. He’s happy, he’s working hard, he’s got a mindset that no one’s going to get in his way in helping the Reds and getting his gold jersey back.
“He’s a much more complete footballer. Don’t call him a battering ram; he’s got nuance to his game, and he’s got deception with his passing and kicking.”
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