Thursday 26 March 2015 10:06, UK
The Exeter Chiefs have continued their recruitment drive with the signing of lock Ollie Atkins from Edinburgh on a two-year deal.
The Australia-born second row is Rob Baxter's fourth signing for next season, following deals for England international Geoff Parling, Oliie Woodburn and Michele Campagnaro.
Atkins will help to fill the gap left by Dean Mumm, who is leaving the Sandy Park club at the end of the season to return to Australia with the NSW Waratahs - the pair previously played together back in Australia.
“I’m very excited about the move, I’ve heard fantastic things about the club and having visited Sandy Park myself, it looks a great facility and a great place to go and play my rugby,” said Atkins.
“Like a lot of people, I’ve watched how the Chiefs have gone from strength the strength over the last couple of years. The style of rugby they play is really good and you can see that all the players really work hard for one another out on the pitch.
“I spoke to Dean when I came down and he gave me an insight into the club and the area, I’ve also played in the same club competition as Mitch Lees back home and I know Byron McGuigan from his time up here in Scotland.
“The Premiership has created a reputation as being one of the best leagues in world rugby, so it’s going to be a great challenge for me.
"Also I think I’ll enjoy mixing it with the top sides in English rugby on a weekly basis, you only have to look at the teams and the players to see how competitive it is for anyone who features in it.”
