Exeter sign Worcester back-row forward Kai Horstmann

Exeter Chiefs have signed back-row forward Kai Horstmann from Worcester following last month's announcement of his release at Sixways.

Horstmann, 30, captained Worcester on this season's return to the top flight and has played 199 times for the club.

But he has missed a substantial number of games through injury - and is again missing for Saturday's final game of the campaign at Northampton.

"He's a guy who I have had a very close look at," said Exeter coach Rob Baxter.

"And I like the way he plays.

"We are a team that is looking to improve and keep strengthening all the time, and we feel Kai is a very experienced Premiership performer.

"I think he will fit in very well for us. He is mobile and athletic, reads the line-out well and the basics of his game stand up very well."

Horstmann, who moved to Sixways from Harlequins in 2005, has been one of the most respected players in the squad, twice winning both the player of the year and player's player of the year awards.