Geoff Parling insists he is ready to start a new chapter of his playing career after the British & Irish Lion signed a two-year contract with the Exeter Chiefs.
Parling signed for Leicester Tigers in 2009 from Newcastle Falcons and quickly became a key cog in their second row as the club only missed out on one domestic final since.
The 31-year-old’s form not only led to 21 England caps but also saw him called up for the British & Irish Lions’ 2013 tour to Australia, featuring in all three Tests.
However, he will ply his trade in the West Country as of next season after agreeing to join Exeter, and the second-rower can’t wait to get going.
“It’s an exciting move for me and a new challenge at the Chiefs that I’m very much looking forward to,” said Parling.
“They have a great set-up down there and a young, enthusiastic bunch of boys who play a grand brand of rugby.
“I’ve spoken to one or two people about the club and the area and it’s all been very positive. Of course it will be a change of scenery, but it’s a new chapter in my career and one that I’m keen to take on.
“Since Exeter came up they’ve done things in the right way. The first few years they stuck with the core of the squad that got them promoted and since then they’ve added the odd face here and there over the years. There hasn’t been a massive turnover of players and I think that has helped them to develop as a club.
“The Chiefs are also a lot like Leicester, they are very much a traditional rugby club, they have a great support base and it’s a real hot-bed of rugby down there.
“I had a good chat with Rob Baxter and Rob Hunter and they outlined where they see the club heading in the future. A lot of hard work has been carried out on and off the pitch down there and they’ve created a really good environment for the team to work in.
“As I said, I’m looking forward to the challenge ahead, but I have a job to finish at Leicester first and foremost.”
