Exeter bolster front-row ranks with addition of Sharks prop

Exeter Chiefs have added to their front row depth with the signing of versatile prop Khwezi Mona ahead of the 2025/26 season.

The 32-year-old front rower makes the move to Devon from South African franchise, Hollywoodbets Sharks, where he has made more than 50 appearances.

The 113kg forward, who can play both sides of the scrum, is looking forward to his first experience of PREM Rugby.

“I’ve always respected Chiefs’ history and the hardworking culture that led them to conquer Europe,” Mona said.

“This is the kind of team and environment I want to be a part of. I’m excited to learn from the coaches, contribute on and off the field, and test myself in such a competitive league.

“I’ve heard about the incredible Sandy Park atmosphere and can’t wait to give the passionate fans something to cheer about. My focus now is to work hard, settle in quickly, and give my all for the badge.”

Chiefs DoR Rob Baxter says the signing of Mona was needed, especially with Ehren Painter still on the cómeback trail.

“People will be aware that Ehren Painter suffered a serious injury last season, and it is one that is likely to keep him out for the first part of the season. With Marcus Street moving on at the end of the campaign, it has left us light on our tighthead numbers,” Baxter said.

“Khwezi is an experienced player who has played a lot of high-quality rugby. The opportunity to sign him probably only came about because he’s just recovered from an injury. We’re rounding off the very end stages of his recovery for that so that he is confidently fit to play and able to go flat out when we need him.

“He’s already fully integrated with our squad at Sandy Park and is on-message with everything that we are trying to do. Now, it’s just about us getting him on peak performance levels before we unleash him fully with the squad.

“He’s a player I think has got an awful lot of potential around how we want to play, and he’ll add a lot towards what we want to achieve this season in our three competition campaigns.”