Ulster confirm signing of Exeter back row Dave Ewers

Ulster have confirmed the signing of Exeter back row Dave Ewers.

The 32-year-old, who primarily plays at blindside flanker, but can also cover number 8, will join the province this summer, ending 13 years at the Chiefs.

Born in Zimbabwe, Ewers moved to England with his family at the age of 13, and has come through the Exeter academy to play more than 200 times for the club, helping them win two Premiership titles, and a Heineken Champions Cup in 2020.

"Dave has demonstrated over a terrific career at Exeter that he loves to carry ball, and is one of the top gainline winning forwards in the Premiership," Ulster head coach Dan McFarland said.

"His size, work rate, and skillset will dovetail nicely with our other back rows.

"We look forward to welcoming him to Ulster to add depth and further experience to our back row, as we remain firmly focused on our ambitions as a squad."

Ewers added: "Ulster is a proud club with a reputation on the pitch which reaches far and wide, and I look forward to calling myself one of the Ulster men from next season onwards.

"I have made many memories with Exeter Chiefs over the years, and now I'm excited to see what this next chapter in my career holds as part of a club with big goals."

Ewers has continued to be an influential part of the Exeter team this season, scoring two tries in their three Champions Cup games, while he was also Player of the Match in their Round 2 win against the Bulls.

As a non-Irish qualified back row, his arrival will likely signal the departure of Duane Vermeulen, whose contract expires at the end of the season