Georgian connection excites Rob Baxter as prop re-signs

Georgia international tight-head Bachuki Tchumbadze admits that he is delighted to have signed a one-year extension to his Exeter Chiefs contract, that will tie him to Sandy Park until 2028.

Tchumbadze, 24, made an immediate impact in Devon last season following his move from Black Lion, making 28 appearances and scoring two tries and came off the bench in their Prem Final defeat at the hands of Northampton Saints.

The destructive scrummager, who is also a confident ball-carrier, will be joined at the club next season by The Lelos team-mate, loose-head Nika Abuladze, who officially re-joined the Chiefs from Top 14 outfit Montpellier at the start of the month.

Tbilisi-born Tchumbadze’s early career development was closely monitored by Chiefs’ forwards coach Ross McMillan, and he was called up for national duty for the Rugby Europe Championship earlier this year and the World Rugby Nations Cup.

“I’m so excited to be staying in Exeter. My first season has been amazing, getting to a first Prem final as a group. 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,” he said.

While Chiefs director of rugby Rob Baxter said: “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.

“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. I’m fully expecting to see him really thrive when we reintroduce Nika (Abuladze) to the group.

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

“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.”