Zimbabwean back-rower Dave Ewers says he is looking forward to the next chapter in his career after agreeing a move to Irish rugby giants Ulster next season.
The powerful back-rower will leave Exeter Chiefs to join the province for the new campaign.
At home as both a flanker and a number 8, Ewers has amassed over 200 senior appearances for Exeter after coming through the club’s Academy system, and was involved in the club’s historic winning of both the Premiership and Champions Cup back in 2020.
“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," said the 32-year-old.
“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.”
Ulster Head Coach, Dan McFarland is looking forward to working with Ewers.
“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,” he said.
“His size, work rate, and skillset will dovetail nicely with our other back rows.
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“We look forward to welcoming him to Ulster to add depth and further experience to our back row, as we remain firmly focussed on our ambitions as a squad.”
Born and initially raised in Zimbabwe, Ewers was part of Exeter's Academy system at Ivybridge Community College after his family moved to the United Kingdom.
A destructive force even at an early age, Ewers made his Chiefs debut in 2009, featuring in a British & Irish Cup clash away to Newport.
Keen to give the fledgling forward more exposure to senior game time, he was dual-registered with Championship side Cornish Pirates during the 2011/12 season, helping them to reach the Play-Off Final, only to lose out to eventual champions Bristol.
The following season, however, Ewers was back at Sandy Park and causing havoc within the Premiership. His no-nonsense approach not only won him many admirers, but left a trail of destruction amongst those rivals who tried to halt his rampaging runs.
Although injuries have at times hampered his development, Ewers has amassed over 200 first-team appearances for the Chiefs, whilst his on-field form has seen him get recognised with appearances for the England Saxons, as well as a first call-up to the senior training squad in February 2016.
Ewers played a leading role in helping the Chiefs record a historic Premiership and Champions Cup double in 2020, but was ruled out of helping the Devonians defend their English title in 2021 when he picked up a suspension for a high tackle in the final game of the regular season against Sale Sharks.
Only long-serving prop Ben Moon has been at the club longer than the popular Zimbabwean. — Belfast Live
