Ascherl signs Chiefs contract after successful trial
Exeter Chiefs have added to their back-line depth with the signing of Harry Ascherl.
The 24-year-old has been engrossed in the Chiefs environment since pre-season having returned to the UK from playing for Sydney Uni in the Shute Shield in Australia for a year.
Ascherl said: “I’m very grateful to have signed for Exeter Chiefs and I’ve really enjoyed being part of this environment.
“I’m excited to learn from the coaches and players, keep improving every day and push for opportunities to help the team this season.”
Ascherl isn’t a stranger to the PREM, the former Bristol Bear made nine appearances for the west-country rivals as well as playing in the Champ for Hartpury RFC.
The centre made his official Chiefs debut at the beginning of the season, running out against Gloucester Rugby at Kingsholm in the PREM Cup. His selection to the starting XV in the first pool round came a week on from a try-scoring display against Ospreys in a pre-season friendly.
Director of rugby Rob Baxter said: “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.
“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.
“We see him as someone with a lot of potential. He’s the type of player we’ll probably look to start in the PREM Cup and then it’s about seeing how he develops from there over the course of the season.
“We’re really pleased with his attitude and all the development he’s had since being here. 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.”
The next block of cup games takes place in mid-November as Chiefs travel to Sale Sharks before hosting Bristol Bears at Sandy Park, with tickets available here.