Aviva Premiership

Exeter sign Ryan Caldwell from Bath

ESPN Staff

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Irish international Ryan Caldwell has signed a one-year contract with Exeter Chiefs.

Caldwell, 29, spent the past three years with Bath and won his two caps for Ireland during their summer tour to Canada and the USA in 2009.

Coach Rob Baxter has made no secret of his desire to bolster his options in the Chiefs engine room having lost both Tom Hayes and James Hanks to retirement during the current campaign, while New Zealander Romana Graham is moving to French club side La Rochelle after a short spell with the club.

"It's a great move for me and one that I am very much looking forward to," said Caldwell. "Obviously it's a new challenge for me in my career, but I like the brand of rugby that the Chiefs play and hopefully I can go down there and play a big part for them next season.

"They've shown over the last few years that they are a side that are on the up and that they can compete with the very best clubs. Having played against them a few times, I know they're a hard-working and tough side to come up against.

"They've always seemed to have a big, strong pack of forwards and behind they've got guys in the backs who can work the magic. As I said, I'm just looking forward to getting down there, settling in and see what I can bring to the table.

"I had a good chat with Rob about everything and he made everything sound very attractive. He said the players are the priority first and foremost, so I'm looking forward to being in that environment and hopefully pushing the club on further."

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