Chiefs duo Steenson and Sturgess sign new deals

Steenson signed for the Chiefs from Cornish Pirates in 2008

Exeter Chiefs duo Gareth Steenson and Brett Sturgess have both signed new two-year contracts with the Devon club.

Fly-half Steenson, 26, was a pivotal member of last season's promotion-winning Chiefs side, and has already garnered 93 points this term.

Prop forward Sturgess, 29, is currently in his fourth season at Sandy Park, having joined from Connacht.

Exeter boss Rob Baxter said: "I think these signings show that as a club we are all about moving forward."

The pair are now contracted to stay with the Chiefs until the summer of 2013.

Baxter continued: "Both Brett and Steeno played big parts in our promotion last season and it's great to keep them on board for the next two years.

"I still think they are two players who have got potential to improve and move on from where they are."

Steenson, who has recently returned from a lengthy spell on the sidelines with a knee injury, said: "I'm delighted to have sorted myself out for the foreseeable future at a club I know is not only ambitious, but also looking to improve all the time.

"Obviously it's been a good start for us in the Premiership, but we now have to finish it off with a big second-half to the season," said the Ulsterman.

Sturgess, who enjoyed a six-year spell at Northampton earlier in his career, has been an ever-present for the Chiefs in the league this season, starting all 11 of their Premiership games.

"Having been here for a few years I know how ambitious the club are," he said.

"We achieved one aim with getting into the Premiership last season, but now we want to push on further and I want to be part of that."