Exeter Chiefs' Mitch Lees departs Sandy Park

The 30-year-old Australian joins French side CA Brive for the new season

Mitch Lees, who's spent five years with Exeter Chiefs, made 113 appearances for the club and scored eight tries in the process.

Lees signed for Exeter in 2014, during his time in Devon he's featured in three Premiership finals, including in 2017 when Exeter won the Premiership for the first-ever time.  

Unfortunately for Lees, however, he spent last season on the sidelines due to injuries. The lock was restricted to just 14 appearances in all competitions. 

Speaking about his move to France Exeter Chiefs’ director of rugby, Rob Baxter, said: “Brive have shown an interest in Mitch, he’s been over there, he’s talked to them, carried out a medical and between the various parties, we’ve all agreed to release Mitch from his contract with immediate effect.

“Obviously, Mitch goes with our very best wishes and we thank him for all his efforts over the years. He has played a large part in our recent successes – and he’s been very much part of a club who have developed into one of the top sides in English Rugby.”

Lees added: "I’ve really enjoyed my time at Exeter over the last five seasons, my family and I have made some life-long friends and we’ll miss the club and the community. I wish the whole team the best success for the upcoming season. They are a special group of lads, who deserve to continue to be one of the best teams in the Premiership."