Ex-Barnstaple youngster joins Exeter Chiefs

Wednesday, February 20, 2013
4:33 PM

FORMER Barnstaple youngster Dave Lewis has left Gloucester after six years and joined Exeter Chiefs.

Scrum-half Lewis has signed a two-year deal with the Chiefs and says he is relishing the new opportunity at Sandy Park.

“It’s never easy to say goodbye at any time, but I do feel the time is right for me to try a new challenge and going to the Chiefs will hopefully bring the best out of me,” said Lewis.

“It’s exciting and I am really looking forward to the move. In a strange way it’s like going home for me because I still have my family and a lot of friends down in Devon.

“The Chiefs are a side that I’ve kept an eye on for some time, especially since they got into the Premiership, and they are a team who play with a lot of attacking intent, pace and they play a good brand of rugby.

“I’ve really enjoyed all my time at Gloucester. Not only have I got to make a lot of good friends, but I’ve got to play with some fantastic players and in some very big games over the years.

“Also the supporters up there are second to none and as a player it’s great to have that kind of support behind you each week.”

Although born in Manchester, Lewis is no stranger to life in the West Country, having lived in North Devon with his parents Gwyn and Julie and attended the former St Michael’s School at Tawstock.

Dave played for Barnstaple between the ages of nine and 18. Team-mates included Luke Berry, Josh Squire, Ian Crombie and Neilson Webber.

His senior career took off in 2007 when he agreed a one-year deal with Gloucester and combined his rugby development with a course in sports coaching and conditioning at Hartpury College, Gloucester’s training base.

He has represented England at Under-16, 18 and 20s level and quickly established himself within Gloucester’s first-team ranks, where he has made 88 appearances for the club.