Transfer News: Exeter Chiefs make sixth new signing

The 25-year-old, who is equally adept at lock or in the back-row, joins on a one-year deal from South African Super Rugby side, the Blue Bulls.

Brought in to help bolster options in the back five of the scrum – particularly with Jonny Hill, Tom Price and Will Witty all currently recovering from summer surgery – the arrival of the Johannesburg-born forward is timely for Chiefs’ Director of Rugby, Rob Baxter.

“I’m looking forward to the challenge,” said Kirsten. “I’ve been waiting a while for the visa, but now that has been sorted, it’s great to be here and to be part of what is a winning team.”