Lees heads to Exeter

Versatile London Welsh back-row forward Mitch Lees has signed for Exeter Chiefs on a two-year deal which begins at the start of next season.

The 25-year-old, who becomes Exeter's second signing ahead of the 2014/15 season after London Scottish prop Tomas Francis signed, ha  played for the ACT Brumbies 'A' team in his native Australia before joining the Exiles this season.

After signing the new deal, Lees told the club's official website:

"I'm really excited by the move, I've had a great season with London Welsh and really enjoyed my time there, but moving to the Chiefs is an opportunity I couldn't turn down.

"This is only my second year as a professional player, so this move has come a lot earlier than I imagined it would have done.

"Exeter are a great club, one of the top sides in England, so to get the chance to come to play for them is a big thing for me."

Exeter currently sit in ninth place in the Aviva Premiership, last month defeating Northampton to lift the LV= Cup - their first major trophy in their 143-year history.