Exeter sign Wales international prop Craig Mitchell

Mitchell started Wales' first two Six Nations games this year

Exeter Chiefs have strengthened their front row with the signing of Welsh international prop Craig Mitchell on a two-year deal from Ospreys.

The 24-year-old tight-head has won eight caps for his country since his international debut in 2009.

He said: "I've had six good years with the Ospreys, but I felt the time was right to try something else.

"Obviously I've come against English sides before with Ospreys so I know a little bit about the teams."

Mitchell has made 35 appearances for the Ospreys since 2006, competing with fellow international Adam Jones for the tight-head spot.

"I've always said Adam is the world's best tight-head," Mitchell continued.

"So when he signed for another three years (at Ospreys) I knew it was time to move on.

"I appreciate certain games are highly presurised, but I'm competitive and will not improve being on the bench."

Mitchell is Exeter head coach Rob Baxter's second new signing ahead of next season, following Saracens scrum-half Kevin Barrett into Sandy Park.

Baxter said: "We've had Craig lined up for a while, but with the Six Nations going on he asked us to keep things under wraps for a while so that's what we did.

"I think he's a really good signing for us and anybody who saw the internationals will know he's a quality guy who works hard and that's the kind of player we like."