Burger Joins the Pack at Exeter Chiefs

Exeter Chiefs have added depth to their front row with the signing of prop Ethan Burger at the outset of the 2024/25 season.

The young prop joins from university side Tuks Rugby in South Africa. Spotted by the Chiefs coaches for his potential, he will be a new addition to the Chiefs scrum under the guidance of Rob Hunter and Ross McMillan.

Burger is extremely excited to immerse himself in the Chiefs environment and develop himself on the field as he learns from the experience of those around him, players and coaches alike.

“Getting the opportunity to be a part of such an amazing club is a dream come true. Exeter Chiefs are one of the best teams in England with an amazing track record.

“Being from South Africa, all players dream of playing overseas. And to get the opportunity to play in England at Chiefs is an opportunity like no other.

“So, it really wasn’t a hard decision at all, I think the club’s history, the great coaches that are here and the amazing talent are all huge pulling factors that made it so much easier to join the Chiefs because I know it’s an amazing environment for my own growth and development as a player.

“I’m extremely excited to play in the Premiership, it’s one of the most prestigious competitions in the northern hemisphere and in the world. It’s an amazing opportunity to be able to play in the league and I look forward to making the most of it.

“The main goal that I have and want to achieve is to prove to my coaches, to my teammates and to myself that I am good enough to compete at this level.

“I want to show that I have what it takes to be a part of this team and that I am a player worth investing in because I don’t plan on leaving any time soon. I plan on being a Chief for a long time.”

The 24-year-old, who was previously involved in the Blue Bulls U21 squad in 2020 has so far spent the majority of his rugby career with the University of Pretoria. And so, Sandy Park will be his first experience of a top flight, professional environment.

Director of Rugby Rob Baxter, who has also brought in props Will Goodrick-Clarke, Jimmy Roots and Kwenzo Blose recently, is looking to secure a front row of real power.

“People we’ve been working with knew we were looking for a big, mobile front row forward. Ethan became available as he was starting to finish his university studies and we see him as someone with probably the potential to play both loosehead and hooker, so he’s here on a short term basis initially for the rest of the season for us to see his potential.

“Hopefully we’ll start to see that now and he can have some involvement perhaps in our friendly against Australian touring side Stockman Rugby and then going into the Premiership Rugby Cup.

“Then once we get up and running, it will be for him to take an opportunity. I think people will be quite excited with his power and speed. So we’ve just got to get him settled in now and ready to play.”