Hallam Chapman: Ex-Jersey Reds back row joins Exeter

Hallam Chapman played for the Chiefs in a friendly against Bristol on Thursday

Exeter Chiefs have signed former Jersey Reds back row Hallam Chapman on a deal for the rest of the season.

Chapman played the second half of Jersey’s 43-22 Premiership Rugby Cup defeat by Exeter in September.

But he was left without a club when the Reds went into liquidation last month but has now been given a chance in his home county following a trial spell.

“I feel like any setback you have – there’s always opportunities to go from there,” he told the Exeter websiteexternal-link.

“I had a brilliant time at Jersey – the coaches and boys were fantastic – but unfortunately it is no more.”

Chapman had a spell with the also now defunct London Irish, making three cup appearances for the Exiles and scoring two tries in one of them against Northampton Saints, before moving to Jersey a year ago.

“Hallam is an ambitious young player taking a less traditional rugby route where he has looked for opportunities outside the regular academy pathway,” said Exeter director of rugby Rob Baxter.

“The situation at Jersey led to Hallam returning home to North Devon and again seeking new opportunities, and after reviewing some footage of him, I invited him to train with us.

“At the same time Plymouth Albion were looking for back five forwards so Hallam trained with us and played for Plymouth over a two-week period and in that time has earned a contract to the end of the season with us.”

Baxter added: “I can see him developing at a rapid pace in the short time he has been with us.”