Jenkins set to return for Premiership opener as Zambonin faces extended absence after shoulder surgery

Exeter Chiefs head coach Rob Baxter has delivered a mixed injury verdict on his two first-choice locks, with Wales international Dafydd Jenkins on course to feature in the Premiership opener against Gloucester on September 26, but Italy’s Andrea Zambonin set to miss the early weeks of the new campaign.

Both players underwent shoulder surgery over the summer. Jenkins went under the knife after Exeter’s Gallagher Premiership final defeat to Northampton Saints, and his recovery was aided by being ruled out of Wales’ summer Tests against Fiji, Argentina and South Africa — giving him a longer rehabilitation window. Zambonin’s operation came later, after he returned from international duty with Italy at the Nations Championship, leaving him with less time to recover before the season begins.

“Dafydd Jenkins should be there or thereabouts for the start of the Premiership season, which is fantastic for us,” Baxter said. “Zambo will be a bit behind. He went away with Italy and had his operation post coming back from them. But he should be back post the autumn period, so he’ll miss that first block of games.”

With both locks unavailable at various points during pre-season, Baxter pointed to the players stepping into the void. He highlighted the early impression made by new arrival Harry Wilson, as well as Obinna Nkwocha, who is being managed carefully after an Achilles injury. Experienced campaigner Lewis Pearson also remains in the squad.

Baxter also used the situation to flag an opportunity for younger players in the squad. “Guys like Joe Bailey, Oscar Beckerleg — this is their opportunity to start the season. They’re going to play some preseason games. If they go well, they’re likely to start a Premiership season or be involved with the matchday 23.”

The head coach framed the challenge as part of a broader effort to build squad depth. “That was part of the process we have to try and evolve if we want to become a longer-term successful club,” he added.