Exeter Chiefs' Baxter unhappy at losing Budgen to Army side
Last updated on .From the section Rugby Union
Exeter Chiefs head coach Rob Baxter says he is unhappy at losing prop Chris Budgen to the Army side for their forthcoming World Championships.
Budgen, 38, is a serving lance corporal with the Royal Welsh regiment.
He has special dispensation to play for the Chiefs, who must release him when needed for army duty.
"I'm a little disappointed with the army, I was assured last season that he would not be needed at this time of year," Baxter told BBC Radio Devon.
"It's relatively difficult to plan in a professional environment with your squad when you're told one thing and then with two weeks notice something else happens," he added.
Budgen scored Chiefs second try as they beat Wasps 21-11 on Sunday at Sandy Park.
"I know Chris isn't particularly happy that it's happened late, he obviously feels a little bit guilty about it all," added Baxter.
And with Craig Mitchell currently away at the World Cup with Wales, and Hoani Tui coming off injured against wasps, Baxter is short of cover in the front row.
But Baxter explained: "Fortunately is pretty close to being back to full fitness and hopefully Hoani's injury won't be too bad and we've got a couple of good young boys in the academy."
