Highlanders prop Josh Iosefa-Scott signed by Exeter Chiefs

Exeter Chiefs have secured the signing of Highlanders prop Josh Iosefa-Scott ahead of the 2021/22 season.

The 24-year-old's signing follows after Wales prop Tomas Francis is set to leave the club at the end of the ongoing season after signing three-year contract with Ospreys.

Iosefa-Scott made his professional rugby debut with provincial side Waikato in 2016 with his Super Rugby debut for Highlanders against Melbourne Rebels in 2019.

“I’m looking forward to the challenge. From what I know and having done some research after speaking to Rob on a video call, I do know the Chiefs are a very successful and proud club," he told the club's official website.

“Personally, I’m keen to get amongst it. The group seem very happy, the guys are chirpy in the training sheds and I’m here to make the most of my opportunity and soak up as much as I can.

“Obviously, this will be my first taste of rugby over here. From what I’ve been told and from what I’ve seen, it’s going to be physical and it’s quite set-piece orientated, but I’m kind of relishing that.

"Being here early is great as it gives me a head start, I can learn plenty and by the time next season comes round, hopefully I can hit the ground running.”

Exeter Chiefs director of rugby Rob Baxter is looking forward to work with Iosefa-Scott ahead of the next season.

"Whilst not being what you'd describe a real front-liner somewhere else, he is someone who we feel can really bring something to the squad," said Baxter.

"We've had great success in the past looking at players of what you would call that Championship level and then developing them into real quality Premiership and international players.

"We watched quite a bit of footage of him and we liked what we saw.

"We've been lucky that we've had the opportunity to get him over here earlier than we thought and now we're going to work hard with him in developing those areas we feel need a bit of work."

Exeter Chiefs are positioned second in the Gallagher Premiership table with 14 wins from 19 games.