Dave Dennis will join the Exeter Chiefs at the end of the Waratahs' 2016 Super Rugby season.

The Waratahs confirmed on Monday that Dennis has signed a three-year deal with the English Premiership side, following Waratahs teammate Dean Mumm, who has since returned to Australia.

Dennis has made 93 Super Rugby appearances for the New South Wales side since his debut in 2007. He captained the side in 2013 and 2014 before a knee injury ruled him out of the latter part of the Waratahs’ title-winning season.

After nearly a decade at the club, the Wallabies loose-forward says he is happy with his decision to move on.

‘It was a really hard decision because I’ve been here my whole career. I could easily stay here until my career ended but I’ve always wanted to challenge myself in a different environment,’ Dennis said. ’I’m not getting any younger and I think with the transition of Michael (Hooper) going into captaincy, I’m really comfortable with the way I’ll be leaving the club at the end of the year and I think that’s really important.’

Exeter Chiefs head coach Rob Baxter said Dennis is the type of player with the right leadership qualities they need at the club, as they look to develop the younger talent coming through.

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