Tchumbadze extends Exeter stay as Baxter eyes all-Georgian prop partnership

Bachuki Tchumbadze has committed his future to Exeter Chiefs by signing a one-year contract extension that will keep the Georgian tight-head at Sandy Park until 2028, the Premiership club confirmed.

The 24-year-old arrived at Exeter last season from Georgian club Black Lion and made an immediate impression, racking up 28 appearances, scoring two tries, and earning a place on the bench for the Premiership final — a defeat at the hands of Northampton Saints. His scrummaging power and ability as a ball-carrier quickly established him as one of the club’s frontline tighthead options.

“I’m so excited to be staying in Exeter. My first season has been amazing, getting to a first Prem final as a group,” Tchumbadze said. “I feel like I’ve learned a lot, and this season has helped me become a better rugby player because I’ve been playing in such a competitive league.”

The renewal takes on added significance given that Georgia loose-head Nika Abuladze officially rejoined the Chiefs from Top 14 side Montpellier at the start of the month. Director of rugby Rob Baxter made no secret of his excitement at the prospect of the two Lelos teammates lining up together in the same front row.

“Then potentially we’d have two Georgian props playing together,” Baxter said. “I’m pretty sure the training sessions of them going against one another will be very interesting.”

Baxter was equally effusive about Tchumbadze’s individual development over the course of his debut season. “Bachuki has grown through the season, becoming one of our frontline tighthead props as we came towards the end of our campaign. He had some very influential games for us, both from a starting position and off the bench.”

The Chiefs director of rugby also highlighted the long-term potential of the Tbilisi-born prop, whose early career was closely tracked by forwards coach Ross McMillan. Tchumbadze has since earned international recognition, featuring in the Rugby Europe Championship and the World Rugby Nations Cup this year.

“He’s a young man that had had limited club and international experience, but he is only going to grow as a player here with us,” Baxter added. “For him to already want to lengthen his stay despite being under contract for next year, I think it is fantastic for the continuity we want here at the club.”