Exeter sign centre Ascherl after successful trial

Harry Ascherl previously played for Bristol Bears, making nine appearances for the club

Exeter Chiefs have signed centre Harry Ascherl on a deal until the end of the season, following a trial with the club.

The 24-year-old has been with the Prem outfit since pre-season and played the full 80 minutes of their defeat by Gloucester in the Prem Rugby Cup last month.

He previously played for Bristol, making nine appearances between 2019 and 2024 having come through their academy system and has spent the past year in Australia playing for Sydney University in the Shute Shield.

"We were really pleased with how a young man took it upon himself to come to a club for a trial, at his own expense for a period of time in pre-season, to prove where he was rugby-wise and try to earn a contract," Exeter director of rugby Rob Baxter said.

"Having seen the character he showed and the quality of his play, we're delighted that we're in a position to create a contract for him this season."

Baxter said Ascherl has a "lot of potential" and he is likely to feature during the block of Prem Rugby Cup games through November, while a loan move could also be an option for him to gain more game time.

"We're really pleased with his attitude and all the development he's had since being here," Baxter said.

"Now, the key for us is to make sure that that development continues, whether that's with loan games or the cup, we'll look to establish all that in the very near future."