The 35-year-old Welshman, who helped to steer the Chiefs into the Premiership back in 2010 and then go on to win the title in 2017, was due to finish on 30 June. But he has agreed terms on a new short-term deal.
The former Dragons player was head coach Rob Baxter’s first signing in 2009 when the Chiefs began their bid for the top. When rugby resumes next month they will be looking to secure a Premiership and European Champions Cup double.
The Chiefs currently head the Premiership by five points from Sale Sharks. They also have a home European quarter-final tie against Northampton Saints to look forward to.
“Fingers crossed we can get back to rugby soon. There is still plenty out there for us to go after, so it’s exciting times and hopefully we can do something special,” said Dollman.
The Chiefs are set to engage in Stage Two training this week in the return to play post COVID-19 lockdown. The aim is to resume league fixtures on 15 August.
Dollman admits lockdown life has certainly been ‘different’ in so many ways, including denying certain players the chance to see out their final days in Chiefs colours. And, all being well, he will get his opportunity to bow out on his terms.
“Nobody really knew how things were going to look, but things have developed and we are starting to get back to a bit of normality. This has been the longest break from rugby I’ve ever had and it was nice to let the body recover and have that time with the family,” admitted Dollman.
“I’m not sure how much I could get used to it, but I guess that gave me an insight into what retired life is going to be like. I’m assuming when I do get a real job it will be a bit different to just sitting at home, going for walks or just sitting on zoom calls all the time.
“Being back at the club, though, has been good. It’s like having another pre-season in the season. Some of the running sessions have been tough and they’ve allowed us to get that base fitness back, but I’m expecting it to ramp up over these next few weeks.”
When rugby does return to the playing arena, Dollman, who has made 240 first team appearances for the Chiefs, hopes to play his part as the club look to attack on two fronts.
A knee injury sustained in the Premiership final victory at Twickenham in 2017 wrecked Dollman’s dreams of playing for Wales on the 2017 summer to face Tonga and Samoa. But his contract extension gives him the chance to push for a silver lining finish to a great career.
“We have to get as much out of the end of this season as we can. It’s an opportunity for all of us to go after things because it will soon slip away,” added Dollman.
“Personally, I’m going to relish every moment of it. The Chiefs has been my home for more than 10 years and I’ve experienced so many good times both on and off the field.
“Yes, it’s going to be tough the day I do eventually finish here, but it’s been a hell of a journey for me. I’m incredibly lucky that I will get another chance to play a bit more rugby.
“There are a few boys, Sam Hill, Nic White, Greg Holmes and Matt Kvesic who’ve had their journeys cut short because of what has happened. That’s disappointing for them.
“It’s strange times for all of us right now, but we just have to crack on, get on with things and hopefully it will all come good in the end.”
