EXETER Chiefs have bolstered their squad with the capture of second row Lewis Stevenson ahead of Sunday’s Aviva Premiership clash against Worcester Warriors at Sixways (3pm).

Stevenson has been released from his contract with Ulster by mutual agreement and will join Exeter with immediate effect.

The 31-year-old lock was under contract at Ulster until the end of the season, but having started just four games, an early release was agreed.

He had a stint with Exeter during 2007 and 2009, before a two-year spell with Harlequins and then a move to Belfast in 2011 to join Ulster.

Exeter boss Rob Baxter admits the return of Stevenson to Sandy Park "ticks a lot of boxes” for him as they look to advance over the course of the season.

With both Damian Welch (pec) and Mitch Lees (bicep) set for a prolonged spell on the sidelines following injuries sustained, Baxter has found his options in the Exeter engine room.

Baxter said: "Everyone is aware of the injuries we have picked up recently, particularly involving those guys who play in the second row. Initially when Damo went down we thought we would be able to ride through the situation with what we had.

"However, once Mitch got injured we had to re-assess things, not just in terms of getting people to play, but also to ensure we had enough bodies for training.

“Over the last few weeks we've really cranked up the training we're doing and for us to keep progressing, I want us to have real quality in our sessions when it comes to training.

“We've looked at the market to see what options are out there and once we knew Lewis was available, we've worked very hard to get him back to the club.”