Campagnaro joins the Chiefs

Italian international Michele Campagnaro says the challenge of testing himself in English rugby’s Aviva Premiership is one that excites him after he today sealed a move to Exeter Chiefs.

The 21-year-old back will depart Benetton Treviso for Sandy Park at the end of the current campaign having put pen to paper on a two-year deal with Rob Baxter’s side.

Capped 13 times by his country, Campagnaro’s arrival in the Westcountry is yet another big statement of intent from the Chiefs, who have already added both Geoff Parling and Ollie Woodburn to their ranks for the 2015/16 season.

Head coach Baxter believes his new recruit will offer a bit of ‘X-Factor’ to his back division next season - and the player himself is looking forward to his first taste of life in the Premiership.

“I’m very excited and proud to be of the Chiefs,” he said. “At the moment, I’m trying to do my best and perform well with my current club, but at the same time I’m very impatient to start this new experience.

“Speaking to other Italian players who have played in England, I’ve managed to get a lot of positive impressions and it gave the confidence to take on what I think will be a great experience.”

Although the Premiership will be a new experience, Campagnaro says he has been keeping close tabs on his new club and how they have been performing this season.

He added: “If you asked me three years ago about the Chiefs, I wouldn’t know what to answer about them. In the last two years, though, I followed the team a bit more closely and last season I started to support them.

“I’ve been attracted to them, especially by the style of the game imprinted by the coach. Also they have had some great results over the last year or so, so it’s all very exciting.”

Having tackled a host of Premiership stars with his country in the Six Nations, the versatile back says facing them week in, week out will be a whole new ball game.

“Without doubt the Premiership is one of the most competitive leagues in Europe, so I’m really interested in challenging myself and trying to do my best,” he continued.

“Right now I’m not sure how I will approach the championship, but having seen the level I know I must put in a lot of commitment and a lot of work to try and bring something positive to the team.”