Nika Abuladze: Georgia prop to re-join Exeter from Montpellier

Georgia prop Nika Abuladze is to re-join Exeter in the summer.

The 30-year-old left the Prem Rugby club in the summer of 2024 to join French side Montpellier.

He has played 18 times for the Top 14 side as well as helping Georgia win last year’s Rugby Europe Championship.

Abuladze first moved to the Chiefs in March 2023 and went on to feature 16 times for the Devon club, as well as playing for his country at the 2023 Rugby World Cup.

“I feel like I’ve accomplished everything I can with Montpellier and so I’m delighted to return to Exeter Chiefs,” Abuladze told the club website., external

“Devon was a place where I always felt happy and appreciated, which I know I will continue to be when I return.”

Abuladze, who has won 22 caps for his country, was the first Georgian player to represent Exeter and has since been followed by compatriot Bachuki Tchumbadze.

“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,” director of rugby Rob Baxter said.

“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.”