Exeter Chiefs extends Pat Phibbs contract to retain him until end of 2011/12 season – Rugby News
Sandy Park based English professional Rugby Union outfit, Exeter Chiefs, has handed over a contract extension to Australian born scrum half, Patrick Phibbs. The new contract will allow Chiefs
to have the services of Phibbs until the end of the 2011/12 season. Officials at the club have confirmed the delay in departure of Phibbs from Chiefs in a statement released on their website on Thursday, November 3.
Earlier during August 2011, Chiefs acquired the services of Phibbs on a short-term contract. The Super Rugby scrumhalf joined the squad to add options in their scrumhalves line up. He was included
in the squad following the absence of the Samoan international scrum half, Junior Poluleuligaga, who was away on the national duty during the 2011 Rugby World Cup.
Besides Poluleuligaga, Chiefs scrumhalf Rob Coote was sidelined with the injury, which forced the club to secure the services of Phibbs.
However, the New South Wales born Phibbs has impressed the management, coaches, players and fans with his impressive display of rugby to earn an extension in the contract.
Exeter Chiefs head coach, Rob Baxter, has expressed his delight on retaining the services of Phibbs until the end of the season. He termed the Phibbs extension in the contract as reward of
his performance. He said, “Pat's deserved it, he's earned it the hard way.”
Baxter further added, “Initially we weren't selecting him for the Premiership games because both Haydn and Kev were bang on form and playing well, so it was difficult for him. However, a few
A games and the LV= Cup games come along and things changed for him. He played well; he led the team well and all of a sudden you start to see a lot of good things, which I suppose has influenced quite a bit.”
Baxter has praised Phibbs attitude towards the game, particularly when the later has been able to lift his game in relatively odd circumstances. He added that it was difficult for a player
to arrive at a club on short notice and get used to the environment and most importantly to prove himself. He has expressed his pleasure on Phibbs hard work and learning ability, which has helped him to win the contract.
The 29-year-old Phibbs has expressed his delight on securing a contract extension with the Aviva Premiership outfit. He praised the facilities available at the club. He added, “I've been working
hard these last few months and I've just been trying to put my best foot forward, so it's nice to be rewarded with the new contract.”
Phibbs has termed the contract as a great opportunity to further his experience of playing and competing in the Northern Hemisphere. He so far has play in the Aviva Premiership and Anglo Welsh
Cup competitions. Besides Chiefs, he has also played for Saracens on a short term contract.
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