A New Chapter: Will Butt Embraces Life and Challenge at Sandy Park

For Will Butt, the summer of 2026 represents the most significant transition of his professional life. After being part of the Bath Rugby setup since the tender age of 14, the 26-year-old center has stepped into a new world: a new city, a new stadium, and a new identity as an Exeter Chief.

“It’s different, and it’s taken a bit of getting used to because you just become accustomed to a certain way of doing things,” Butt admitted during his first official interview as a Chief. “It’s been refreshing to come to a new environment and experience a different method.”

The Woodburn Parallel

Long-time Gallagher Premiership observers have already drawn parallels between Butt’s move and the career trajectory of Olly Woodburn, who famously swapped the Rec for Sandy Park 11 years ago. Woodburn’s subsequent success in Devon has become the blueprint for such a transition.

Butt, while humble, recognizes the benchmark Woodburn has set. “I think if there’s ever an example of how to get it right, it’s that man,” he said. “He’s done brilliantly well since leaving Bath. If I could emulate anything like the impact he’s had here, I’d be extremely pleased.”

Finding Balance Off the Pitch

The move to the South West has coincided with major personal milestones. Butt and his partner welcomed their son, Joey, earlier this year. Far from the pressures of the pitch, the young family has been finding solace in the local beaches—a welcome distraction from the intensity of a top-flight pre-season.

“I’ve got a five-month-old baby at home,” says the new recruit. “It’s so nice to come back home to see him at the end of the day, just to switch off. The sleep is a little bit difficult to come by, but it’s much harder for my partner, so I can’t complain too much.”

Pre-Season Intensity

Since reporting for duty on July 27, Butt has been thrown into the deep end of the Chiefs’ renowned training regime. From grueling early-morning cardio and specialized dojo tackle technique sessions to the infamous high-intensity drills on Exmouth beach, the squad has been pushed to its limits.

Butt believes the short, sharp four-week block has been instrumental in forging team bonds. “The mood among the boys has been really positive,” he notes. “We’ve got a really good group of senior guys that drive the standards. They went so far last year, so there’s an understanding of what it takes to compete.”

Competition in the Centre

Butt joins a high-caliber midfield unit that features the likes of Henry Slade and international arrival Dallas McLeod. The depth chart is further bolstered by emerging talents like Nick Lilley, Ollie Batson, and the formidable Zack Wimbush.

Interestingly, Butt has a history with Wimbush—though perhaps not the one he’d prefer. A viral clip of Wimbush delivering a powerful “brush-off” to Butt during a game last season became a frequent feature on social media.

“I do know the clip you’re talking about!” Butt laughed. “Me getting bounced off—a good few people sent me that at the time.”

Undeterred by past encounters, Butt is eager to bring his own strengths to the table. “I like to think I’m a good ball carrier,” he added. “I want to get my hands on the ball and try to get the team going forward.”

As he prepares to pull on the jersey, the excitement is palpable. “When I think of playing here, I think it’s such a hostile place to come as an opposition player,” Butt said. “To have this as home now, to have those fans behind you, it’s something I’m really looking forward to.”

With his transition well underway, the exeter chiefs faithful will be eager to see if their new center can translate his fresh energy into success on the field this season.