Jess has joined the Chiefs and has pulled out of the England Counties squad (Alex Folkes/Fishnik.com)

Exeter Chiefs have signed Launceston winger Matt Jess.

Jess, who scored 17 tries for the All Blacks last season, has been touted as a potential Premiership player.

He has withdrawn from the England Counties side that was due to tour the United States next month as a result of his signing.

Jess - who is part of Cornwall's side for this Sunday's County Shield final - will start pre-season training with the Chiefs on 6 June, according to the RFU.

Jess is the latest signing for the Chiefs as they look to try to build a side to gain promotion to the Premiership.

He is the fifth player to sign for the Chiefs from the South West's other top rugby sides.

Director of rugby Pete Drewett has signed Nic Sesteret and Tom Hayes from Plymouth Albion, Chris Cracknell from the Cornish Pirates and Neil Clark from Launceston.