Slade and Ikitau have more competition as Exeter add to centre stocks

Exeter Chiefs have signed centre Harry Ascherl on a one-year deal following a successful trial at Sandy Park.

The 24-year-old teamed up with the Chiefs during preseason having previously played for Sydney University in Australia, and made his debut against Gloucester in the PREM Rugby Cup.

Chiefs director of rugby Rob Baxter clearly likes what he has seen, and has added more depth to a world-class faction of his team.

Australia’s Len Ikitau made his Exeter debut at inside centre last week, partnering England’s Henry Slade in the midfield, who scored two tries in a 38-0 win over Harlequins.

The former Bristol Bears centre Ascherl will be in contention to make his PREM debut for the club against Gloucester at Sandy Park on Saturday.

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Gallagher Premiership

Exeter Chiefs

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Gloucester

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““I’m very grateful to have signed for Exeter Chiefs and I’ve really enjoyed being part of this environment,” he said.

“I’m excited to learn from the coaches and players, keep improving every day and push for opportunities to help the team this season.”

Baxter added: “We were really pleased with how a young man took it upon himself to come to a club for a trial, at his own expense for a period of time in pre-season, to prove where he was rugby-wise and try to earn a contract.

“Having seen the character he showed and the quality of his play, we’re delighted that we’re in a position to create a contract for him this season.

“We see him as someone with a lot of potential. He’s the type of player we’ll probably look to start in the PREM Cup and then it’s about seeing how he develops from there over the course of the season.

“We’re really pleased with his attitude and all the development he’s had since being here. Now, the key for us is to make sure that that development continues, whether that’s with loan games or the cup, we’ll look to establish all that in the very near future.”