PREM side secure the return of ‘popular’ Georgian prop after achieving ‘everything’ he can with French outfit
Nika Abuladze signs for Exeter Chiefs
Exeter Chiefs have secured the return of Georgian prop Nika Abuladze ahead of the 2026/27 season.
The 30-year-old loosehead prop left Exeter for Montpellier in June 2024, but will return to the Devon club after just two years in France.
Speaking about his return to the Chiefs, 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 was the first Georgian player to ever play for Exeter. But when he returns, he will join up with tighthead prop Bachuki Tchumbadze in the front-row, who arrived from Currie Cup side Black Lions in 2025, and has since become a regular fixture in the Chiefs side.
The returning Chief has become the first choice loosehead prop for his country, having collected 22 caps to date, including three appearances at the 2023 World Cup in France.
The Return of the Chief
Exeter 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.”
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