Exeter Chiefs sign English-qualified South African lock André Goedhals to ease second-row injury crisis

Exeter Chiefs have agreed to sign lock André Goedhals from South African Currie Cup side the Pumas, with head coach Rob Baxter moving to address a mounting injury crisis in his second row.

Goedhals, 21, holds a British passport having been born in Devon while his parents lived and worked in England, making him eligible for England. His family later returned to South Africa, settling in Riversdale in the Western Cape, where he completed his schooling at Oakdale Agricultural High School. Highly regarded as a schoolboy, he earned Springbok under-20 honours before moving to the Pumas after failing to break through at the Stormers.

The signing addresses a pressing need at Sandy Park. Italian lock Andrea Zambonin is sidelined following a shoulder operation and, although he is nearing a return, he could still be several weeks away. Lewis Pearson is also unavailable, leaving Baxter short of options in the engine room.

Goedhals becomes the third Pumas player to move to the Gallagher Premiership this summer. Lock JJ Scheepers joined Sale Sharks, and prop Sampie Swiegers was signed by Harlequins. Flanker Ruwald van der Merwe has also left the Pumas, joining Glasgow Warriors under head coach Franco Smith.

The deal continues a busy recruitment window for Baxter, who last week announced the signing of centre Carwyn Tuipulotu from Pau — a move that reportedly beat Bristol Bears to the player’s signature.

Exeter will be hoping Goedhals fares better than recent South African arrivals. Khwezi Mona played just nine games before being released last summer, while Kwenzo Blose made 24 appearances across two seasons before also departing. Former Springbok hooker Joseph Dweba, who arrived at Sandy Park at the start of last season, has yet to feature for the Chiefs this campaign despite being in full training.

The Chiefs opened their season with a win over Newcastle Red Bulls on Sunday and will also welcome All Blacks back-row Dallas McLeod from Canterbury at the end of the month. McLeod scored seven tries in nine games as Canterbury reached the NPC semi-finals.