EXETER Chiefs have signed winger Charlie Poynton from the South Sydney Rabbitohs ahead of the 2026/27 season.

The 19-year-old, who was born in New Zealand, will swap the Sydney coastline for Devon as he looks to continue his rugby career in the Gallagher PREM.

Poynton has made the move to union after impressing in the Australian rugby league system, having joined South Sydney’s NSW Cup set-up in October 2025.

He previously featured in the Rabbitohs’ junior system in the SG Ball Cup and Jersey Flegg Cup competitions, while also spending time with the NSW Waratahs senior academy and partner club Manly Marlins.

Capable of playing on the wing or at full-back, Poynton was also selected for the Australia Under-18 development squad in July 2024.

He said the opportunity to join Exeter was one that “really excited” him and praised the club’s vision for the future.

“After speaking with the coaches and everyone involved, I felt it was the right environment for me to continue developing both as a player and as a person,” he said. “I’m looking to make the most of the opportunity, keep improving every day and establish myself as a player at this level.”

Director of rugby Rob Baxter believes Poynton’s versatility could prove valuable as the Chiefs deal with a shortage of options in the back three.

“Charlie is an exciting, young English-qualified player,” said Baxter. “He’s had a bit of time playing rugby league as well, so we see him as a very multi-talented player who can slot in at 15 or wing.

“With Paul Brown-Bampoe injured and Immanuel Feyi-Waboso unavailable until later following the internationals break, we felt it was important to strengthen that position.

“When Charlie became available, we looked at the qualities he could bring and the opportunities this could create for him. We felt it was a great fit.”