Dave Ewers hangs up boots after 15 years in the professional game
He's a South West legend - having played for the Exeter Chiefs and Cornish Pirates on loan
After 15 years in the professional game, and the vast majority of that time with the Exeter Chiefs, flanker Dave Ewers has announced his retirement.
Ewers came up through the ranks in the sport after his time in the Academy with the Devon side, before making his first start against Newport in the British and Irish Cup.
He later went on to also play on loan for the Cornish Pirates, and helped Exeter to win the 2020 European Champions Cup.
After his time in the South West, where the Zimbabwe-born player made more than 200 appearances, he went on to Ulster and the Stormers, who are based in Cape Town.
'God has blessed me so abundantly'
Sharing the news on Instagram, he said: "And just like that, it’s time to hang up the old boots.
"Found it hard to sum up my career, the incredible people I’ve met and experiences I’ve had, into some pictures and a caption. But I would like to express how grateful I am and how God has blessed me so abundantly.
"Can’t thank my family for everything they’ve done for me, from the beginning driving all over Devon and beyond, leaving hours before everyone else just to get there on time cause we had no idea where we were going. All the cold and wet days you endured just to watch me, thank you.
"Thank you to Rob Baxter, the Director of Rugby at Exeter and everyone involved at Exeter for giving me the opportunity all those years ago, was a special journey going from the championship to winning the double in 2020.
"To all the boys, thank you for all the memories, I feel nothing but blessed to have experienced everything along the way with you all, on and off the pitch. We shared some incredible memories that I will never forget. A special mention to all the back room staff of everywhere I’ve been, and especially Exeter where I had all my injuries. Thank you for getting me back on the pitch. To all the fans, near and far, thank you for all the support over the years, it’s meant alot to me.
"Feel so blessed to be finishing my career here in South Africa, it’s felt like home since I first arrived. A massive thank you to Dobbo & my agents getting me down to Cape Town. Never in my wildest dreams would I have thought I would represent this amazing union & be lucky to finish my career off at home.
"This past year at Stormers has been one of the best highlights in my career where although, I’ve not played that much, I’ve fulfilled life long dreams of playing in the Currie Cup and representing a team that I’ve always wanted to play for.
"I wish my boy, Oden, Could have been old enough to watch me play and remember it, was always a dream to be able to run out for a game with him. But, along with the loved ones I’ve lost along the way, I hope I’ve done you all proud.
"Excited for what’s ahead for me business wise, more on that later.
"But for now, thank you."