Exeter Chiefs have confirmed the signing of South African lock André Goedhals from Currie Cup side the Airlink Pumas.

The 6ft 6in second-row was born in England while his parents were working in the country.

He also holds a British passport, meaning he could be eligible to represent England if he chose to switch international allegiance.

His situation is similar to that of Chiefs winger Campbell Ridl, a former England U20s international who was born in London to South African parents before choosing to represent South Africa.

Goedhals will provide cover for Andrea Zambonin, who faces a lengthy spell on the sidelines after undergoing shoulder surgery.

The 22-year-old said: “I’m really excited to be joining Exeter Chiefs. It’s a club with great history and ambition.

"The opportunity to challenge myself in a new environment, continue developing as a player and be part of such a competitive team was something I couldn’t turn down and that I always wanted.

“I’m looking forward to giving everything I have to the club, contributing to the team’s success and helping Chiefs compete for silverware.

"I’m also excited to experience rugby in England and to grow both on and off the field over the next few years.”

Goedhals had already agreed a three-year deal with Exeter, but negotiations with the Pumas allowed him to move to Devon earlier than expected.

Chiefs director of rugby Rob Baxter said: “We’ve moved quite quickly in the last week or so to bring André into the squad a little ahead of schedule.

"We were initially looking to bring him in next season but I have to say a big thank you to the Pumas for considering releasing him early to allow him to join us now.

“I feel he’s a player with an incredible future. He’s a talented young man at only 22 years old and having already played two years in the Currie Cup.

"You can see the pedigree he’s already got from that competition. He also has the ability to play both second-row and back-row.

“We’ve been looking for a little while to supplement our stock in the back five of the scrum with injuries to Andrea Zambonin and Lewis Pearson."