Exeter Chiefs' Rising Star Faces Another Major Setback

Highly-rated Exeter back Tommy Wyatt has suffered a devastating blow, sustaining a serious knee injury that will keep him off the pitch until 2026. The 25-year-old ruptured the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in his left knee during the final game of the season against Sale at Sandy Park.

A Familiar Struggle

This injury comes as a cruel twist for Wyatt, who had only just returned from a similar ACL injury in his right knee in November 2024. That previous injury had already sidelined him for much of the 2024 season. Despite these challenges, Wyatt had shown remarkable resilience, scoring 10 tries in 19 appearances across all competitions this season.

The Road to Recovery

Wyatt is set to undergo surgery in the near future, with Exeter Chiefs estimating a recovery period of six to nine months. "Everyone is gutted for Tommy," said director of rugby Rob Baxter. "He worked extremely hard to come back from last season's injury and was beginning to really break through again in our most recent games."

A Structural Predisposition

Medical experts have indicated that Wyatt's recent injury might be due to a structural predisposition, given his history of ACL injuries. "From what we've been told from our medical contacts, this is an injury that Tommy was more structurally predisposed to suffering, having already injured his other ACL," Baxter explained.

A Silver Lining

Despite the grim outlook, there is a glimmer of hope. "The only slight positive we can take from this situation is that once he completes this latest period of rehabilitation, Tommy will be even stronger," Baxter added. The club is rallying around Wyatt, ensuring he remains in good spirits and supporting his recovery every step of the way.

Looking Ahead

Exeter Chiefs and their fans will undoubtedly miss Wyatt's versatility and skill on the field. His ability to play both on the wing and at full-back has been a significant asset to the team. As Wyatt embarks on another arduous rehabilitation journey, the rugby community will be watching closely, hoping for a triumphant return in 2026.