Exeter Chiefs flanker Chad Slade has finally returned to Devon over a month after he was scheduled to be back at Sandy Park.

The 26-year-old has been stuck in New Zealand after a delay in getting his visa after playing for Samoa in the Pacific Islands Cup.

He was then given special permission to stay in New Zealand to face the All Blacks on 3 September.

His paperwork to allow him to play in the UK finally came through last week.

He is set to play his first match for the Chiefs reserve side at Sandy Park on Tuesday night against Launceston's second string.

"It has been frustrating that he has not been able to return until now," said Chiefs director of rugby Pete Drewett said. "He demonstrated last season that he was such an important part of our squad."