Aviva Premiership

Exeter Chiefs have completed the signing of Stormers forward Don Armand on a two-year deal.

Armand, who can play either at lock or in the back-row, made his Super Rugby bow last year having previously tasted Currie Cup success with Western Province. The 24-year-old follows Greg Bateman, Tom James, Dave Lewis and Ceri Sweeney in making the switch to the Premiership club in the off-season.

"Coming to England is a new challenge for me, but it's one I am definitely looking forward too," said Armand. "When I spoke to Rob [Baxter] I had a great chat with him and he told me so much about the club and where it wanted to go. I also asked other people about the Chiefs and they could only tell me good things, so for me there were so many positives and I just wanted to be involved."

"Like I said, it's a new challenge for me - but it's one I am really relishing. I guess it will be different to Super Rugby, I know the set-piece is more essential over here and that you go into a lot more detail, but it's like anything if you're willing to put in the hard yards and get ready for the games, then things will tend to be a lot easier for you and your team."

In related news, Chiefs lock James Hanks could miss the season opener at Northampton Saints after breaking his collarbone in training. Hanks is set to undergo further tests to discover the full extent of the injury, but it is not looking good for the September 7 clash at Franklin's Gardens.