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Exeter Chiefs announce Stuart Hogg coup, Scotland international to join after RWC

Rugby, Aviva Premiership, Guinness PRO12

 

Exeter Chiefs have announced the signing of Scotland international Stuart Hogg from Glasgow Warriors.

The British & Irish Lions fullback has signed a two-year deal at Sandy Park and will officially join the Gallagher Premiership club next summer after the Rugby World Cup in Japan.

During his nine-year stint at Glasgow, Hogg won 63 caps for Scotland and helped the side to the PRO12 title in the 2014-2015 season.

"This is a decision that's taken a great deal of thought as I've loved my nine seasons at Glasgow," Hogg said

"I said I would decide my next step for family and rugby reasons and feel now is the right time to gain new rugby experiences and push myself in different situations where I will be challenged and hopefully improve further."

Hogg, 26, is unlikely to be available for his new club until October 2019 due to World Cup commitments, but speaking after Tuesday's announcement, Exeter head coach Rob Baxter described his signing as "a statement of intent".

Baxter added: "We're delighted that Stuart has decided to join us We've tracked him for some time and we actually wanted to sign before he signed his last contract at Glasgow.At that stage it wasn't the right time for him to move, but now it is and we feel he will be a fantastic addition to our squad.

"Not only is he an exceptional rugby player, but we feel he brings a whole host of other attributes that we think can help really add to us as a team.

"It's a statement on our part. But, anyone who knows us and where we want to go, will understand that for us to move forward and win trophies -- which is undoubtedly what we want to do -- we have to back ourselves fully and that means bringing in players who we feel will take us to that next level.

"His qualities, particularly in the back-field, his stability and the threat he can pose in terms of counter-attacking, in a lot of ways it's perfect fit for both ourselves and for Stuart."

After undergoing surgery on his ankle in September, Hogg returned to the Scotland lineup for Saturday's 54-17 victory against Fiji. 

He is expected to keep his place in Gregor Townsend's side for Saturday's clash with South Africa at BT Murrayfield.

Hogg's arrival at Exeter was swiftly followed by confirmation of former centre Michele Campagnaro's switch to Wasps.

The Italy international, 25, has a short-term deal until the end of the season at the Ricoh Arena.

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