England centre has left his club with immediate effect to move to America
10/31/2024 05:05 PM
Chicago just went full Hound mode with their latest signing – English centre Ollie Devoto! The 30-year-old powerhouse heads to the Windy City after a stellar 11-season stint in the Premiership, where he racked up an incredible 193 caps playing for both the Exeter Chiefs and Sale Sharks.
The Chiefs Years: Dominance and Drama
Devoto's journey kicked off with the Exeter Chiefs in the 2016-17 season, where he started a solid 19 games in his first year, including the epic Premiership Final. And talk about a dream debut season! The Chiefs snagged the 2017 title in a thrilling win over London Wasps.
After a quieter 2017-18 season, Devoto roared back in 2018-19 as Exeter's go-to center. With 18 starts out of 21 appearances, five tries, and a massive 1,284 minutes on the field, he helped steer the Chiefs to yet another Premiership final. Exeter finished the regular season on top, but Saracens ultimately edged them out in the championship game.
Then came 2019-20 – Devoto’s magic touch helped Exeter land their second title in four years. Even with fewer appearances, he made every minute count, adding three tries and nine caps to his impressive tally.
2020-21: Career-Best Season Incoming!
The 2020-21 season? Devoto was unstoppable. He nailed down 21 starts in 23 appearances, logged a career-high six tries, and helped the Chiefs to yet another Premiership final. With 1,665 minutes of intense game time, he proved himself one of the league's most relentless playmakers.
The Stats: Numbers Don't Lie
Across his Premiership career, Devoto tallied 193 appearances, 29 tries, and a cool 152 points. Not to mention he also played three solid seasons with Bath, notching up 67 caps and scoring eight tries before making the jump to Exeter.
National Spotlight: The Call-Up to England
Devoto's talent wasn't confined to club rugby – he was called into England's senior training squad for the 2016 Six Nations and later debuted for his country on May 29, 2016, against Wales.
NIGEL OWENS DREAM XV:
Fullback: Israel Folau (Australia)
Owens said: “For me, it's nip and tuck between Halfpenny and Folau, next to nothing to choose between them. Leigh is brilliant because under the high ball and with his kicking at goal under pressure. He may not always break the line when running but puts his body on the line in defence and is a top-notch match-winner.
“But I go for Folau – only just, I should stress – because of his ability to seemingly beat his man every time he gets the ball in his hand. He's such an exciting player and like Leigh he is one of the best under the high ball.
“It's a toss of a coin for me… and it's come down in Folau's favour.”
Winger: Stuart Hogg (Scotland)
Owens said: “How can you fail to be impressed when watching Hogg play. He's so exciting as he burst into that line and, of course, was named Six Nations player of the tournament.
“I know he's a full-back for Scotland, but he is so quick and direct he could easily play on the wing. He reminds me a bit of Shane Williams with some of the things he does.
“When you see who is on the other wing in my team, you'll see how they would work brilliantly in tandem.”
Outside-centre: Brian O’Driscoll (Ireland)
Owens said: “Not only is he one of the greatest centres in the history of rugby union but he's a fantastic man off the field as well. O'Driscoll has been a wonderful ambassador for the sport and a real leader. He always respected referees and set the right example for others to follow.
“A legend of the game who conducted himself superbly, on and off the pitch.”
Inside-centre: Ma’a Nonu (New Zealand)
Owens said: “He's another brilliant player and after every game, win or lose, he would come up and give me a hug. Ma'a has always found time at after-match functions or at breakfast if we've been staying at the same hotel to come over and have a chat.
“What a player, mind, too. One of the stalwarts of the New Zealand side for so many years.”
Winger: Shane Williams (Wales)
Owens said: “When people ask me who is the best player I have refereed it's pretty much an impossible task to pick one because I've been lucky enough to take charge of so many greats.
“But if I'm pushed, I would pick Shane for what he achieved after coming from football at 17 or 18 years of age.
“He was in the mould of Gerald Davies in how he left defenders gasping for air as he beat them with those dazzling sidesteps. Nobody would fancy defending against a back three of Shane, Hogg and Folau, I can tell you that.”
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