Photo via BBC Sport

Injured Exeter winger Ridl to miss most of season

Exeter Chiefs winger Ridl faces a lengthy spell on the sidelines after suffering a serious non-contact injury while trying to release a pass during his club's initial pre-season fixture. Despite attempting to continue, the young back was forced off the pitch shortly afterward, halting the momentum of a breakout talent who emerged as a premier English prospect last term.

Ridl had impressed with consecutive hat-tricks during Premiership Rugby Cup action in February, before going on to register six tries across a half-dozen Premiership appearances from mid-March to mid-May.

Exeter director of rugby Baxter emphasized that the prolonged rehabilitation window offers meaningful upside for the player's long-term maturation. With the relentless grind of weekly competitive fixtures removed following a grueling introduction to senior rugby, Ridl can dedicate his time to physical conditioning while also focusing on his ongoing university education.

Baxter noted that turning this layoff into an opportunity for academic and athletic development will ultimately benefit the winger across the next five to six years of his professional career.