Exeter Chiefs secure Georgia international prop for next season

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The 30-year-old loosehead previously represented the Chiefs before departing for French Top 14 side Montpellier in June 2024, having made 16 appearances across all competitions during his time in Devon.

Speaking about his decision to return, Abuladze said, “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.”

Abuladze made history as the first Georgian player to represent the club, paving the way for fellow countryman Bachuki Tchumbadze. The tighthead prop joined the Chiefs last summer and has enjoyed a strong debut season, becoming an influential presence in the pack. With 22 international caps to his name, including appearances at the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France, Abuladze’s experience will complement the emerging talent of Tchumbadze when the pair link up.

Born in Tbilisi, Abuladze is renowned for his size, strength, and explosive power at the set piece. Prior to his first stint with Exeter, he featured prominently for Georgian franchise Black Lion, competing in the Rugby Europe Super Cup, while also playing domestically in the Didi 10 with Kochebi.

He started in both Rugby Europe Super Cup finals for Black Lion, lifting the trophy in 2021 and 2022. Abuladze initially joined Exeter in 2023 on a deal running through the 2024/25 season, before spending time with Montpellier in the Top 14.

Chiefs’ director of rugby Rob Baxter said: “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. He went very well for us, helped us have a very dominant set piece.

“As we keep trying to build on the foundations we’re setting now, around how we want to play and strengthening the squad, Nika is a fantastic addition to that. The scrum and specifically our front row is an area in which we feel we’re strong and one in which we can keep developing.

“We’re glad to have him coming back. He was a very popular squad member in his previous stint, so I’m sure he’ll fit straight back in, working with Ross McMillan and Glen Townson to really help drive our pack of forwards. He’ll hopefully help us in our aim to return to winning trophies in the future.”