Ex-Exeter centre Devoto retires after USA spell

Former England, Bath and Exeter Chiefs player Ollie Devoto has announced his retirement from professional rugby.

Devoto was capped twice by England and won two Premiership titles with the Chiefs, as well as the Champions Cup in 2020 during eight years with the club.

The 32-year-old spent the past two seasons playing for Major League Rugby outfit Chicago Hounds in the United States.

"For me and my family it's probably the right decision to call it a day," Devoto told BBC Radio Somerset.

"I'd thought about it for the last couple of years since leaving Exeter.

"I'm really grateful for the opportunity to go out to America. It's something I've never experienced before and to take the family out was very special."

Devoto was born in Yeovil and started his career with Sherborne RFC before moving to Bath where he made his professional debut.

He was then part of the Exeter side which won the club's first ever Premiership title in 2017, before completing a league and European cup double in 2020.

"I was very fortunate to be part of such a strong squad at the time," Devoto said.

"What made it so successful was just how close we all were as a team."

Devoto left Chiefs in 2024 and spent a short stint with fourth-tier outfit Taunton Titans, who play in National League 2, before making the move to the USA.

He described the profile of the sport in the country as "up and coming".

"Still nowhere near the other American sports," Devoto added.

"A lot of people still don't know what rugby is over there which is quite refreshing but the setup was amazing.

"I can't speak highly enough of it - if anyone gets the opportunity to head over grab it with both hands"