Rugby

REPORT: Another international is set to depart Exeter Chiefs this summer

According to recent reports from France, Exeter Chiefs are poised to bid farewell to Georgian international tighthead prop Nika Abuladze, who is set to join French Top 14 side Montpellier.

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According to leading French newspaper Midi Olympique, it’s been reported that Bernard Laporte’s team has finalised an agreement to acquire Abuladze, known for his prowess in the scrum.

Abuladze, who only arrived at Sandy Park in March 2023 from RC Kochebi, has quickly caught the attention of Montpellier since his debut against them in April 2023, despite his season being cut short by a knee injury after just 16 appearances for the Chiefs.

Nika Abuladze of Exeter Chiefs looks on during the Gallagher Premiership Rugby match between Northampton Saints and Exeter Chiefs at Franklins Gardens, Northampton on 12 November 2023. – PHOTO: Patrick Khachfe/PPAUK

The departure of Abuladze adds to a trend of key players leaving Exeter for France in recent times. Montpellier has already secured the signatures of notable Chiefs players like number eight Sam Simmonds and tighthead prop Harry Williams during the previous summer.

Th club also announced the immediate departure of Scotland international Jonny Gray, who is widely expected to sign with French side Bordeaux-Begles.

Possible incoming:

The Wallabies are facing potential centre dilemmas as Hunter Paisami, a pivotal player, contemplates a shift to the Gallagher Premiership, escalating concerns for Australian rugby.

Reported by The Roar, the 26-year-old Paisami is seriously contemplating a transfer to Exeter, with the English club, led by Rob Baxter, presenting an enticing proposal to snatch the experienced 26-Test Wallaby from Ballymore.

2025 Six Nations fixtures confirmed with England handed toughest possible start

England will kick off their 2025 Guinness Six Nations campaign with an away match at the Aviva Stadium against Ireland. 

Commenting on the 2025 Guinness Six Nations fixtures, Tom Harrison, CEO of Six Nations Rugby, said:

“The Guinness Men’s Six Nations is an appointment to view each year, delivering blockbuster entertainment for fans all over the world. The Championship never fails to deliver unpredictable excitement and experiences for fans to look forward to and then savour. 

“The announcement of the next instalment of fixtures is always keenly anticipated by fans, and with tickets now available for the 2025 fixtures, coupled with extensive broadcast coverage of the games, fans can already begin looking forward to what is in store as the action for the remaining rounds of this year’s Championship plays out.”

2025 Siz Nations Fixtures

ROUND 1

  • Friday 31 January
    • France vs Wales – 8.15pm
  • Saturday 1 February
    • Scotland vs Italy – 2.15pm
    • Ireland vs England – 4.45pm
Jamison Gibson-Park of Ireland spins the ball out during the Autumn Nations Cup match between England and Ireland at Twickenham Stadium, Twickenham, London on November 21 2020. – PHOTO: Phil Mingo/PPAUK

ROUND 2

  • Saturday 8 February
    • Italy vs Wales – 2.15pm
    • England vs France – 4.45pm
  • Sunday 9 February
    • Scotland vs Ireland – 3pm

CONTINUES ON PAGE TWO


The post REPORT: Another international is set to depart Exeter Chiefs this summer appeared first on Ruck.

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