Exeter's Ollie Atkins to head France next season

Exeter Chiefs have confirmed the departure of lock Ollie Atkins from the Gallagher Premiership club at the end of the 2018/19 season.

Atkins has been part of the Chiefs since 2015 and has been part of the squad that reached the final in four successive seasons including a maiden title win during the 2016/17 season when they edged out Wasps 23-20.

The 30-year-old has played for the Sandy Park outfit 59 times including 39 games in the Premiership and also has the experience of playing for Sydney University, Edinburgh, Western Force and Waratahs in the past.

"Thank you @ExeterChiefs for making the last four years so incredible. Can’t wait to see what comes next for such an amazing group of men! Exeter you have been amazing, now on to a new advent," Atkins tweeted.

Atkins will now head to France to feature in the second tier competition for Rouen.