Exeter Chiefs secure signing of Ruben van Heerden from Sharks

Exeter Chiefs have announced the signing of lock Ruben van Heerden from Super Rugby club Sharks ahead of the 2022/23 season.

The signing of van Heerden follows the departures of fellow locks Jonny Hill, Sean Lonsdale and Sam Skinner at the end of the 2021/22 season.

The 24-year-old started his career with provincial club Blue Bulls in 2016 with his Super Rugby debut for Bulls coming a year later. He made a switch to Sharks in 2018 and since then has become an integral part of the club.

He also had represented South African Under 20 and South African Schools in the past.

“I’m so excited about coming to the Chiefs,” he told the club's official website.

“I’ve followed them for some time and you can see they are such a good team, packed full of quality players and who have a game to really challenge the opposition.

“For me, it’s like a dream come true to join a club like this.

"The Premiership is right up there as one of the best, if not the best, competitions there are to play in. Every week is a challenge, the teams are so strong, so it’s going to be a great battle for myself.”

Exeter Chiefs finished the 2021/22 season of the Gallagher Premiership at seventh place after managing 13 wins from 24 games.