Woodburn's Impact at Exeter Chiefs
In January 2015, Woodburn made a strategic career move to local rivals Exeter Chiefs for the 2015–16 season. Driven by the promise of increased first-team opportunities, this transition marked the beginning of a highly productive era for both the player and the club.
The Rise to the Premiership Final
Woodburn's debut 2015/2016 season in the Aviva Premiership—the top division of English rugby union—was an immediate success. He played a pivotal role in propelling Exeter to their first-ever Premiership final held at the iconic Twickenham stadium.
During this campaign, Woodburn made 24 appearances and scored eight tries. One of the highlights of his season was a standout man-of-the-match performance in a home game against the Worcester Warriors, where he managed to score three tries.
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Securing the Championship Title
The 2016–17 season proved to be a historic milestone as Exeter secured their first English Rugby Union Premiership title. Woodburn was instrumental in this achievement, contributing to the victory over Wasps in the final.
His individual performance throughout the season solidified his status as a key asset to the Chiefs. Woodburn scored 11 tries across 27 appearances, leading to him being named the club's Player of the Year. His excellence was further recognized with a nomination for the league-wide Premiership Player of the Year award.
Key Facts
- Joined Exeter: 29 January 2015 (for the 2015–16 season).
- First Final: Helped Exeter reach their first Premiership final at Twickenham in 2015/16.
- Championship Win: Part of the squad that won the first English Rugby Union Premiership title in 2016–17.
- Individual Honors: Named Exeter's Player of the Year and nominated for Premiership Player of the Year.
- Total Tries: Scored 19 tries across two seasons (8 in 2015/16 and 11 in 2016/17).
| Season | Appearances | Tries Scored | Major Achievement |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2015/2016 | 24 | 8 | Reached first Premiership Final |
| 2016/2017 | 27 | 11 | Premiership Title & Club Player of the Year |
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Woodburn join the Exeter Chiefs?
Woodburn moved to the Exeter Chiefs on 29 January 2015, starting his tenure with the club for the 2015–16 season.
How many tries did Woodburn score in his first season?
In the 2015/2016 season, Woodburn scored eight tries in 24 appearances.
Which team did Woodburn score a hat-trick against?
Woodburn scored three tries in a man-of-the-match performance against the Worcester Warriors.
What was Woodburn's biggest achievement in the 2016–17 season?
He helped Exeter win their first English Rugby Union Premiership title by defeating Wasps in the final, and he was named the club's Player of the Year.
Was Woodburn recognized on a national level?
Yes, in addition to his club award, he was nominated for the Premiership's Player of the Year accolade during the 2016–17 season.