FORMER Crediton RFC player, and now a hooker with Exeter Chiefs, Jack Yeandle has admitted it was an “easy decision” to pen a new contract extension with the club.

Signed to the Chiefs in 2012 from Championship side Doncaster Knights, the 25-year-old forward has quickly settled to Aviva Premiership and European rugby life with the club - and his influence, both on and off the field, was recently rewarded by head coach Rob Baxter, who entrusted him with the role of club captain for the new season.

A key figure in the recent rise of the club, Yeandle has already amassed 50 appearances in English rugby’s top flight, as well as featuring in both the Heineken and European Challenge Cups.

And with an impending marriage and baby on the way, the all-action forward admits it’s great to have a new two-year deal - bolted onto the remaining year he had - signed and sealed ahead of the new 2015/16 campaign.

Jack said: “It has all come together quite nicely for me. The new deal was a very easy decision – this is home for me, it means a lot to play here and it is a great club to be at.

“It is always niggling away in the back of your head when your contract is up. You do worry about it and it can possibly affect your performance.

“To have it secured now and out of the way is another thing I don’t have to worry about, especially with a baby on the way and getting married soon, so it is another factor I don’t have to take into account.”

One man delighted to see Jack prolong his stay at Sandy Park is Rob Baxter himself, who added: “It was a pretty simple call from us to extend his contract and a pretty fast and easy decision for Jack as well. “It was one of those nice extensions where both parties are happy with the scenario. He is a level-headed guy who works hard here and he is one of those players that knows that if you work hard, are a good character, you know what the club is about and you help those around you then good things can happen.”