James Hanks has become a key player for the Chiefs since joining straight from University in 2005 © Getty Images

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Players/Officials: James Hanks | Ben White

Tournaments/Tours: Aviva Premiership

Teams: England | Exeter Chiefs

Exeter Chiefs have re-signed forwards James Hanks and Ben White.

The pair have signed two-year contract extensions to keep them at Sandy Park until 2015. Hanks, 28, has become an integral part of the Chiefs pack, making 176 appearances at lock since his debut in 2005 while back-rower White, 29, is in his second season at the Aviva Premiership club after signing from Cardiff Blues in 2011.

"It's fantastic for James to be staying around," head coach Rob Baxter said. "My first involvement with him was when he turned up at Exeter University when I was head a coach. We put him straight in the first team and he hasn't looked back since as far as he career in Exeter goes.

"I've watched him play and develop and watched the part he's had to play in Exeter moving forward over quite a long period. It's fantastic that he's still around but also fantastic that he's a good player at this level.

"White's a tough cookie and a different character, the other players will tell you that, but different characters are good within a club.

"He's one of the guys who fits in very well with what we do. He's his own man but his work ethic, the way he trains and the enthusiasm he puts on the pitch, have made him very popular at the club."