The Wales prop arrived at Sandy Park seven years ago as an unknown from the Championship and leaves with 57 caps and Premiership and Champions Cup winners medals.
“It is a wrench to be leaving because I have had an amazing time at this club,” said the 29-year old, who was spotted by Exeter boss Rob Baxter playing for London Scottish against London Welsh when he scrummaged against a front rower who has long been a teammate, Alec Hepburn.
“I will be making the most of the time I have left at this great club and it would be a dream to go out with back-to-back Premiership titles.”
Francis is not leaving the Chiefs by choice. Under a rule agreed between the Welsh Rugby Union and its four regions, a player who is based outside the country may only be considered for the national side if he has won 60 caps. Francis is three short.
“When I had to make the decision, I needed to play in 13 out of 14 Tests to make 60 and that was too tight,” he said. “I was not willing to risk it because the pinnacle of your career is international rugby.
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