The teenager who has turned down the most lucrative Academy contract Cardiff Blues have ever offered to join Exeter has spoken for the first time about his decision.
Wales U18s second row Christ Tshiunza has signed a four-year Academy deal with the English big guns after rejecting a very similar offer from the Arms Park outfit.
A product of Rhiwbina RFC and Whitchurch High School, he came through Cardiff Schools and then linked up with the Blues pathway, playing for their U16s and U18s.
At 6ft 6ins, athletic and explosive, he’s seen as having huge potential.
This is why the Blues offered him the biggest Academy contract they have ever put out in financial terms.
But, in the end, he opted to sign for Gallagher Premiership high-fliers Exeter.
“This has been a big decision for me to make, especially as I have played all my rugby here in Wales,” said the 17-year-old
“However, I’m very excited about joining what is one of the best clubs in the country.
“Exeter have a proven record of bringing through young talent and developing them into top class players, so that was a key factor in my decision-making.”
Tshiunza, who made his debut for Wales U18s against France in March, was born in the Democratic Republic of Congo and is also qualified for France and England through his family.
He has one year left to go at Whitchurch High, but will spend time with Exeter during holiday periods next season before making a more permanent move to Devon, where he aims to combine his rugby career with studying at the University of Exeter.
Chiefs’ Director of Rugby Rob Baxter believes the youngster has all the qualities to go a long way.
“We see Christ as a player with a huge amount of potential and a real hunger to do well within the game,” said Baxter.
“We’ve looked at him closely, we’ve chatted in detail with him, and we feel he’s a great fit for us.
“By us giving him a four-year academy contract, it means we will be able to work closely with him over a prolonged period of time and really help nurture and develop him as a player moving forward.
“At the same time, when he moves down here, he will then be able to continue his studies at the University and build on the great work he has done at Whitchurch High School.”
