Exeter sign Carwyn Tuipulotu using injury dispensation slot

Exeter Chiefs have signed number eight Carwyn Tuipulotu for the remainder of the season, BBC Sport reported on Tuesday. The former Wales under-20 international joins after playing for Pau in France last season. He had been a free agent and had most recently been training with Dragons before securing his move to Exeter.

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Director of rugby Rob Baxter said in Exeter's announcement that the club had used an injury dispensation slot to add cover. He identified Richard Capstick's continuing rehabilitation from a long-term injury as part of the reason for strengthening the squad early in the campaign. No return date for Capstick was given.

Baxter said Tuipulotu's carrying had previously caught his attention and that performances near the end of his Pau spell had reinforced that interest. He described the recruit as offering something different from Exeter's existing options, saying the club had acted quickly to complete the signing.

Tuipulotu's route to senior rugby included Sedbergh School and the Scarlets academy. According to Exeter, he made his Scarlets debut against Leinster in January 2021 and received a senior contract the following month. He played more than 45 games for the Welsh region, with a Saracens loan following in January 2025 before his move to France.

The transfer also brings a family connection into Exeter's back row. BBC Sport reported that Tuipulotu is a cousin of Chiefs forward Greg Fisilau and the son of former Tonga international Kati Tuipulotu. His wider rugby family includes Taulupe Faletau, Billy and Mako Vunipola, and Kepu and Sisilia Tuipulotu. Describing his relationship with Fisilau, he said the pair had grown up as closely as brothers and that the possibility of playing in the same Exeter team made the move particularly meaningful for him.

Tuipulotu said positive accounts of Exeter's culture from players familiar with the club had helped attract him. The Chiefs confirmed he would join the squad this week and be eligible for selection immediately.