Exeter Chiefs sign Sharks lock Ruben van Heerden

Exeter Chiefs on Monday announced the signing of Sharks lock Ruben van Heerden.

The 24-year-old, who started his franchise career at the Bulls in 2013, has been part of the Sharks set-up for the past four years and moves to England at the start of next season. 

A former Junior Springbok, the imposing Van Heerden is looking forward to playing in the Premiership.

"I'm so excited about coming to the Chiefs," Van Heerden told the Chiefs 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."

?? - ???????????????? ???????? - ??@ExeterChiefs are delighted to announce the signing of South African lock Ruben van Heerden from the @SharksRugby ??https://t.co/ez2S1hRGGA#WelcomeRuben #NewSigning #Chiefs pic.twitter.com/3Rpr5mwuoU

Van Heerden says the move to England will be a different challenge to those he has experienced playing in South Africa, but that it provided a massive opportunity. 

"This is such a big opportunity for me," Van Heerden said.

"Speaking with Rob [Baxter, Exeter director of rugby] and hearing about the club, I knew I wanted to join straight away.

"Watching the Chiefs, you can see how hard they work for one another. There are no show ponies in the team, they graft for one another every game, and that's what really appealed to me.

"As I said, moving to England is a different challenge for me, but it's one I'm really excited about. I know a