Cracknell only managed 13 league appearances for Exeter in a season

Exeter Chiefs flanker Chris Cracknell is to be released, because his England Sevens duty was getting in the way of playing for the Chiefs.

The 24-year-old made only 13 league appearances last season for the Chiefs following his summer switch.

He starred for England throughout the IRB Sevens tournament, causing him to miss Chiefs games and training.

Head coach Rob Baxter said: "We are unable to accommodate players that may miss games during the season."

"We are proud of what Crackers has achieved for his country and we would never stand in the way of a player's international ambitions," he added.

Cracknell's contract will come to an end on 31 May.

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