Exeter Chiefs newcomer Ruben van Heerden says he cannot wait to get stuck into life at Sandy Park after sealing his move from South African outfit, the Sharks.
The 24-year-old forward is the latest addition brought in by Director of Rugby, Rob Baxter, who is looking to bolster his options up front following the departures of fellow locks Jonny Hill, Sean Lonsdale and Sam Skinner.
Standing at 6ft 6in and topping the scales at over 18 stone, van Heerden will offer a sizeable presence to the Chiefs pack. Having started his career with the Bulls back in 2013, the Alberton-born ace moved to the Sharks in 2018, where he has since established himself as a key performer for the club.
“I’m so excited about coming to the Chiefs,” said van Heerden. “I’ve followed them for some time and you can see they are such a good team, packed full of quality players and who have a game to really challenge the opposition.
“For me, it’s like a dream come true to join a club like this. The Premiership is right up there as one of the best, if not the best, competitions there are to play in. Every week is a challenge, the teams are so strong, so it’s going to be a great battle for myself.”
EDITORS PICKS:
- Wales legend Phil Bennett passes away aged 73
- RANKED: Top Five Rugby Union Power Couples
- SHOCK: Danny Care handed surprise England recall
- Remembering the outrageous Rugby Aid XV’s from 2015
- Nigel Owens ranks the five best captains he refereed
#1. Jack Dunne from Leinster
At the end of his current deal in Leinster blue, Dunne will link up with the Exeter Chiefs as he looks to make the next step of his career in professional rugby.
Just under 12 months ago, the lock came out as bisexual, earning widespread support for his courageous step in professional rugby.
#2. Rory O'Loughlin from Leinster
The 28-year-old Irish international will head to the Gallagher Premiership club next season after eight years featuring for Leinster, whom he has helped to both domestic and European success.
His switch across the Irish Sea will mark his first foray away from his homeland, but it’s a move the player himself insists ticks all the boxes in terms of his career and family life.Rory O'Loughlin in action for Leinster against the Exeter Chiefs
“I’ve been very lucky to be at Leinster for the past eight years, but this is a new and exciting challenge for me,” said O’Loughlin, who has made 92 appearances for Leinster, scoring 105 points to date.
“Having come up against Exeter in the past, plus watching from afar, I’ve seen the success they’ve had and the squad they have built.
“Heading over to Exeter, it’s a move that really excites me and one that comes at the right time in my career. Exeter play a great brand of rugby, one in which they like to get the ball into space, and they really look to go after and attack the opposition.
#3. Aidon Davis from Free State Cheetahs
A Junior Springbok loose forward, Davis has played the majority of his rugby in his native homeland, but he did enjoy a two-year stint in France where he impressed for both Toulon and Bayonne.
At 1,95m and a meaty 110 kg he will add plenty to a pack already with a reputation for muscular domination, as he joins former youth team-mates Jannes Kirsten and Jacques Vermeulen.
#4. Iestyn Harris from Cardiff
The hooker's Cardiff contract was due to expire in the summer and he was not offered a new deal.
"Talking with Iestyn, he just looks like one of those guys who has an ambition, a dream, a drive, to be the best player he can be," said Baxter.
TRENDING
LATEST NEWS
LATEST COMMENTS
- Jordie Barrett over Damian de Allende is far from being correct. The hype around Dupont is also overreaching, he's probably 4th in the world and has been since the 2023 WC. He also avoids certain matchups which is strange. The rest of the list is pretty good apart from minor subjective biases.JasonMarlow16-09-2026
Loading
