Jason Shoemark moves to Exeter Chiefs
Jason Shoemark has completed a move to the Exeter Chiefs after the club agreed to a deal with New Zealand Super 14 side, the Highlanders.
The centre signed a deal with the Aviva Premier League team in July, but he was only allowed to move to the Chiefs at the end of the New Zealand club season.
Shoemark said: "I'm delighted to have finally arrived. I've only just arrived in the last day or so, but the facilities here are outstanding, the boys are great and it looks a really great club."
The New Zealand centre becomes the second new arrival at Sandy Park after the Chiefs brought in Argentine out-half Ignacio Mieres.
Shoemark could go straight into the team to play in the LV= Cup at home to Wasps on Saturday, 6 November.
The 29-year-old was excited about the prospect of a new challenge and said, "I have been playing rugby in New Zealand since 1999 and loved every moment of it, but obviously coming over here it's going to be a different style of play for me and the chance
to add things to my game.”
Exeter have adapted well to life in the Aviva Premiership and seem to be improving in every game.
They recorded a fantastic 9-23 away win against Saracens in their last Premiership game and were only defeated by three points in their last home game against London Irish.
The New Zealand centre acknowledged that the Chiefs are an exciting club to join and that they have already succeeded in defying the odds with some memorable wins this season.
"Already the guys here have taken some great steps by winning some crucial games and hopefully they can continue that," said Shoemark.
At present, Exeter are ninth in the Premiership, but they have been competitive in the league and stand a good chance of staying in the Premiership.
Exeter Chiefs director of rugby Rob Baxter will hope that Shoemark can add some extra class to his midfield.
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