Exeter Chiefs newcomer Jannes Kirsten says he can’t wait to get to grips with English rugby after completing his move to the Gallagher Premiership club.
The 25-year-old, who is equally adept at lock or in the back-row, joins on a one-year deal from South African Super Rugby side, the Blue Bulls.
📢 – NEW SIGNING: @ExeterChiefs are delighted to welcome the arrival of Jannes Kirsten from @SuperRugby side @BlueBullsRugby on a one-year deal ⬇️https://t.co/iIVHzxrtB3 pic.twitter.com/LYx5i9DsyW
— Exeter Chiefs (@ExeterChiefs) July 31, 2019
Brought in to help bolster options in the back five of the scrum – particularly with Jonny Hill, Tom Price and Will Witty all currently recovering from summer surgery – the arrival of the Johannesburg-born forward is timely for Chiefs’ Director of Rugby, Rob Baxter.
“I’m looking forward to the challenge,” said Kirsten. “I’ve been waiting a while for the visa, but now that has been sorted, it’s great to be here and to be part of what is a winning team.”