Exeter Chiefs have officially announced the acquisition of Georgian prop Bachuki Tchumbadze, a rising star in international rugby. The 23-year-old, who made his international debut for Georgia against the Netherlands earlier this year, joins the Premiership side from Georgian club Black Lion.

Tchumbadze's Journey to Exeter

Tchumbadze has already made a significant impact in European rugby, featuring in 14 appearances for Black Lion across the European Challenge Cup and Rugby Europe Super Cup. His performances have caught the attention of scouts, leading to this exciting move to the English Premiership.

A Key Addition to the Chiefs

Speaking to the club’s official website, Tchumbadze expressed his enthusiasm: "I really enjoy English rugby, and I'm truly honoured to have the opportunity to be a key part of the Exeter Chiefs. I'm well aware of the crucial role that forwards play in the team's system, and I'm really looking forward to making my debut in the Premiership."

Coach’s Perspective

Exeter’s director of rugby, Rob Baxter, highlighted Tchumbadze’s potential: "He's one of those guys who shows an awful lot of promise for a young man. He's dynamic in the loose, very effective in the tight. I think he'll really thrive working with [assistant forwards coach] Ross [McMillan]."

Focus on Set Piece

Baxter also emphasized the team’s focus on the set piece during the pre-season: "We're going to be focusing on our set piece this pre-season, especially around the scrum, so that will give him a lot of opportunities in live sessions. We've just got to give him the platform to work really hard and hopefully he can achieve something really special here."

A Growing Georgian Presence

Tchumbadze will become the second Georgian to play for Exeter, following in the footsteps of loosehead prop Nika Abladze, who featured in the 2023-24 season. This signing underscores Exeter’s commitment to scouting and developing international talent.

Undisclosed Contract Details

While the length of Tchumbadze’s deal remains undisclosed, the excitement surrounding his arrival is palpable. Fans and analysts alike will be keen to see how he adapts to the demands of Premiership rugby and contributes to Exeter’s ambitions in the upcoming season.