Baxter praise for 'fantastic' Woodburn

OLLY Woodburn is excited to be 'centre of attention' at Exeter Chiefs this season.

- MARK STEVENS

With Rob Baxter's options for personnel in the midfield currently hindered owing to injuries to the likes of Henry Slade, Zack Wimbush and new signing Tamati Tua, the 32-year-old has moved in from his regular spot on the wing to start in the No.13 jersey.

For some it would be a difficult switch to undertake, but for Woodburn he has no such issues, having played the role throughout his childhood.

"Back in the day about 14 or 15 years ago, I signed my first contract at Bath as an outside-centre," he said. "It's kind of like a return to my roots, so I've been excited to play there. It's always a position that's lent itself to a lot of my strengths.

"I've really enjoyed the different ways you have to adapt, both in attack and defence. Normally being in the back field you have to do a lot of running and covering certain areas, but at the end of the day, I'm a rugby player, not just a winger."