Wales prop Craig Mitchell admits club and country rival Adam Jones’ decision to stick with Ospreys was the driving force behind his cross-border switch to Exeter.
Mitchell, who has appeared 35 times for the Welsh region and holds eight international caps, has agreed a two-year deal with the Premiership’s surprise package for next season.
The 24-year-old is currently sidelined after undergoing surgery on the shoulder he dislocated during Wales’ controversial 19-13 Six Nations victory over Ireland.
Mitchell has spent his early career as understudy to fellow tighthead Jones and the British and Irish Lions decision to extend his Ospreys stay by three years in 2009 proved the catalyst for Mitchell’s departure.
“I’ve always said Adam is the world’s best tight-head, so when he signed for another three years I knew it was time to move on,” added Mitchell.
“I appreciate certain games are highly pressurised, but I’m competitive and will not improve being on the bench.”
“I’m really looking forward to it. It’s going to be a fresh start for me and a move that is right for me and my career at this stage.
“I’ve had six good years with the Ospreys, but I felt the time was right to try something else and signing for Exeter is a great opportunity for me.
“It’s going to be my first crack at English rugby and the Premiership. I’ve spoken to a few boys about it and they’ve said it’s tough, but that it is also a very good standard.
“Obviously I’ve come up against English sides before with the Ospreys and with Wales, so I know a little bit about the players and the teams.”
Fellow Wales internationals Gavin Henson, James Hook and Lee Byrne have also left Ospreys or announced their intention to do so this season, contrary to Warren Gatland’s desire to have his best players playing for the Welsh regions.
