Exeter sign South African lock Goedhals on long-term deal

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 22 Oct, 12:33 · Archive

Exeter Chiefs have signed 22-year-old lock André Goedhals from South African side Pumas on a three-and-a-half-year contract, with the move taking effect immediately. Goedhals, who stands 6ft 6ins, was born in England and is therefore English-qualified, making him an EQP player. He was originally scheduled to join next season but the club used injury dispensation budget to accelerate his arrival, moving from Mpumalanga to Devon.

Goedhals has played two seasons in South Africa's Currie Cup, helping Pumas reach this year's final, and has also spent time with Stormers. He can play at lock or in the back-row. Rob Baxter, Exeter's director of rugby, told BBC Sport: 'I looked at Andre for a long time in good detail, and at 21, having played a couple of years already in the Currie Cup for both the Stormers and now for the Pumas, he just has something I think could develop into something special.' He added that the signing would supplement the back five following injuries to Andrea Zambonin and Lewis Pearson, and that being EQP was important given the club's tight numbers in that category.

How it is being reported

• Exeter Chiefs sign South African lock with immediate effect as contract length is revealedAndré Goedhals joins the Gallagher PREM club from Currie Cup side the PumasDevonLive · 22 Oct, 12:01
• Exeter bring in forward Goedhals from South AfricaExeter sign forward Andre Goedhals from South African side Pumas.BBC Devon · 22 Oct, 12:00

In this story: André Goedhals · Exeter Chiefs · Pumas · Rob Baxter · Devon · Currie Cup

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