Rob Baxter, Director of Rugby at Exeter Chiefs, believes that Julian Heaven has the potential to excel in his second season with the club. Despite a challenging debut campaign, Heaven's situation is not unprecedented, as Baxter has witnessed similar trajectories with other players.
Heaven, a 25-year-old Australian, joined Exeter last season alongside two other Aussies, with varying degrees of success. Tom Hooper emerged as the most successful of the trio. Heaven made three starts in 13 appearances, including a memorable Challenge Cup draw against Racing 92, and scored two tries. However, his last game was in March, against the Newcastle Red Bulls, after which he didn't feature again.
Baxter attributes this to the adjustment period many players face when transitioning to a new country and league, especially those from abroad. He points out that it often takes time for players to settle into the rhythm of the Premiership and Exeter's season structure. This is evident in the cases of Don Armand and Kai Horstmann, who also struggled in their initial seasons but later became integral to the team's success.
The Director of Rugby highlights the transformative power of a strong pre-season, which can propel players who had a difficult season into the starting lineup. He recalls his own predictions a decade ago, where he foresaw players who weren't prominent at the time becoming stars in the future.
Baxter's optimism for Heaven is rooted in his belief that the player is still finding his footing. He suggests that Heaven's English qualification and decision to turn down Spain's World Cup qualifiers demonstrate a commitment to his rugby career. Despite currently being behind in the pecking order, with Max Norey and Joseph Dweba ahead, Baxter is confident that Heaven will benefit from a strong pre-season and emerge as a key player in the upcoming season.
In summary, Rob Baxter's perspective on Julian Heaven's potential is grounded in his experience and understanding of the challenges faced by players transitioning to a new environment. His optimism is a testament to the transformative power of a strong pre-season and the potential for players to excel in their second season with the club.
