The Exeter Chiefs have pulled off a savvy recruitment move by bringing back Georgian powerhouse Nika Abuladze to their ranks for the upcoming 2026/27 season. This marks the return of the formidable loosehead prop to the Devon club after a two-year stint with Montpellier, where he apparently maxed out his potential and accolades.
Abuladze, at the ripe age of 30, has clearly left his mark in France but feels his journey there has reached its zenith. "I feel like I’ve accomplished everything I can with Montpellier, and so I’m delighted to return to Exeter Chiefs. Devon was a place where I always felt happy and appreciated, which I know I will continue to be when I return," he expressed. His return not only boosts the Chiefs' front-row options but also reunites him with fellow Georgian Bachuki Tchumbadze, who has been turning heads since his arrival last season from the Currie Cup's Black Lions.
The Chiefs' camp is buzzing with enthusiasm about reclaiming their former scrummaging stalwart. Exeter's director of rugby, Rob Baxter, didn't mince words when discussing Abuladze's return.
"We’re thrilled to be bringing Nika back to Exeter, we’ve got very fond memories of him from his time here. He was definitely one of the strongest scrummaging looseheads in the Prem in his time pre-injury,"
Baxter said. He emphasized the strategic importance of strengthening the squad's foundation, particularly the scrum where Abuladze's impact is highly anticipated.
Abuladze's previous stint with the Chiefs was marked by his popularity and his role in fostering a dominant set piece, attributes that Baxter and his coaching staff are keen to see him bring once again. "He’ll hopefully help us in our aim to return to winning trophies in the future," Baxter added. With Nika Abuladze back in the fold and his experience from international play, including three caps at the 2023 World Cup, the Chiefs are looking more formidable than ever in their quest for glory.
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The Exeter Chiefs have pulled off a savvy recruitment move by bringing back Georgian powerhouse Nika Abuladze to their ranks for the upcoming 2026/27 season. This marks the return of the formidable loosehead prop to the Devon club after a two-year stint with Montpellier, where he apparently maxed out his potential and accolades.
Abuladze, at the ripe age of 30, has clearly left his mark in France but feels his journey there has reached its zenith. "I feel like I’ve accomplished everything I can with Montpellier, and so I’m delighted to return to Exeter Chiefs. Devon was a place where I always felt happy and appreciated, which I know I will continue to be when I return," he expressed. His return not only boosts the Chiefs' front-row options but also reunites him with fellow Georgian Bachuki Tchumbadze, who has been turning heads since his arrival last season from the Currie Cup's Black Lions.
The Chiefs' camp is buzzing with enthusiasm about reclaiming their former scrummaging stalwart. Exeter's director of rugby, Rob Baxter, didn't mince words when discussing Abuladze's return.
"We’re thrilled to be bringing Nika back to Exeter, we’ve got very fond memories of him from his time here. He was definitely one of the strongest scrummaging looseheads in the Prem in his time pre-injury,"
Baxter said. He emphasized the strategic importance of strengthening the squad's foundation, particularly the scrum where Abuladze's impact is highly anticipated.Abuladze's previous stint with the Chiefs was marked by his popularity and his role in fostering a dominant set piece, attributes that Baxter and his coaching staff are keen to see him bring once again. "He’ll hopefully help us in our aim to return to winning trophies in the future," Baxter added. With Nika Abuladze back in the fold and his experience from international play, including three caps at the 2023 World Cup, the Chiefs are looking more formidable than ever in their quest for glory.