Exeter Chiefs prop Greg Holmes signs short-term contract with Western Force

Former Australia international Greg Holmes will be part of Super Rugby AU competition after he was signed by Western Force on a short-term contract.

The 37-year-old had already been part of Queensland Reds between 2005 and 2016 following which he moved to Exeter Chiefs.

On his maiden season with the Sandy Park based club, he enjoyed Premiership title victory with Exeter and has played 27 Premiership games for them.

Holmes was set to retire from professional rugby at the end of the ongoing season but with the pandemic coronavirus suspending it, he has decided to be part of the Super Rugby AU competition that will kick off on 3rd July.

"In my head I was going to finish my career with the Chiefs, retire and then move on to the next stage of my life," Holmes said to the official site of Exeter Chiefs.

"Obviously, COVID-19 stopped all of that, not just for me, but for people around the world. It's certainly been strange times for all of us and it's meant that I won't be able to finish here in Exeter as I wanted.

"These past four years have been amazing and this is a very special place to not only come and play rugby, but to live in and be part of a special rugby community.

"Some of my fondest rugby memories have come from my time here in Exeter and I'm just so glad I've been able to experience what I have - and be a small part in what has been a successful period for the club."

Holmes had played 27 Tests for Australia between 2005 and 2016 and was part of their World Cup campaign in 2015 where they finished runners-up.