Mumm has Chiefly ambitions
Exeter Chiefs newcomer Dean Mumm has admitted it was the "ambition" of the Devon club that persuaded him to swap life in Super Rugby for that of the Premiership.
After nine seasons with the Waratahs, the Australian international is set for a new challenge within the game and sees the Chiefs as the ideal destination to continue his rugby education.
With a two-year contract agreed with head coach Rob Baxter, the 28-year-old forward is now just weeks away from making his switch to Sandy Park to join the Chiefs who will not only be tackling English rugby's elite in the Premiership, but also that of Europe's finest in the Heineken Cup this season.
"One of the things that drew me towards Exeter was their ambition to continue to achieve," said Mumm. "I'm obviously yet to be involved in the environment but I see no reason why they can't go forward and win silverware. That was a real reason for me wanting to join.
"I want to come to Exeter to further my career and a wonderful opportunity for me to have a change from what's been the routine for me in Australian rugby and I think that will be refreshing for me personally. I'm also excited by the challenges that exist in Exeter."
He added: "I've always wanted to come and play in Europe. When you look at the ability to move overseas and have that experience at some time, rugby is one of the sports that really gives you an opportunity to do that."
Mumm knows that as a tight forward he will have to provide plenty of physicality as he adapts to the game in England.
"All the times I've played over there in the UK, predominantly with the Wallabies, the set-piece has been a big aspect of the game," he said. "Saying that, no matter where you play the best teams are able to win their ball very well. At the Waratahs we've had a strong set-piece for the last couple of years.
"The games I’ve looked at, particularly when the top teams over there play each other have been pretty expansive. You don't underestimate the threat that exists out wide in English rugby at the moment.
"I know the competition's going to be very tough. One of the main differences from Super Rugby is the longevity of the season and the nature of the games. We're probably a little bit blessed in Super Rugby to play in some reasonable conditions for a long period of time. It may take me a while to get used to that but so be it," he said.
