Kai Horstmann will switch from Worcester to Exeter for next season's Premiership campaign © Getty Images

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Players/Officials: Kai Horstmann

Tournaments/Tours: Aviva Premiership

Teams: England | Worcester Warriors

Exeter have announced the signing of back-row forward Kai Horstmann from Aviva Premiership rivals Worcester.

The 30-year-old has agreed a two-year contract and becomes Exeter's sixth new recruit for next season and will link up next term with fellow newcomers Dean Mumm, Ian Whitten, Will Chudley, Alex Brown and Jack Yeandle.

The former England Saxons and Sevens international arrives at Sandy Park having also previously played for Harlequins but faces a battle for first team honours with the likes of Tom Johnson, James Scaysbrook, Richard Baxter, Ben White, James Phillips and Dave Ewers already in the mix.

"We are a team that is looking to improve and keep strengthening all the time and we feel Kai is a very experienced Premiership performer," said Chiefs boss Rob Baxter. "He is a guy who I have had a very close look at and I like the way he plays. I think he will fit in very well for us; he's mobile and athletic; reads the line-out well and the basics of his game stand up very well."

Baxter admitted he was impressed by the player's all-round capabilities, particularly in a number of his displays earlier this season. "We've had a good look at him and we think he is a guy with a lot still to give," said the coach. "He's 30, but that is not that old for a back-row forward. His experience, especially going into the Heineken Cup, is also a big factor for us as is his ability to play in a similar way to the back-row forwards we like."

Horstmann is relishing the challenge of a new club and the chance to prove himself once again. "It's a fantastic move and you can see that Exeter is a club that is certainly moving in the right direction," said Horstmann. "I've had a great time at Worcester over the past seven years, but now was probably the right time to move on and experience something different in my career.

He added: "I know coming to Exeter will be good for my game and that it's down to me to show what I am capable of. Like with any club, the back-row is always a hugely competitive area and it will be down to me to earn my stripes."