Georgian international Tchumbadze lengthens his Devon stay

Georgia international tighthead Bachuki Tchumbadze has signed an early contract extension with Exeter Chiefs ahead of the return of his fellow countryman, Nika Abuladze, for the 2026/27 season.

The extension will see Tchumbadze remain a Chief until 2028. The destructive scrummager, who is also a confident ball-carrier, has his deal announced following a 34-minute feature in the recent 2026 Gallagher PREM final against Northampton Saints.

Born in Tblisi, the 24-year-old has made 28 Chiefs appearances since arriving in Devon in the summer of 2025 as a young prospect who had had his early career development closely monitored by Chiefs’ forwards coach, Ross McMillan.

Tchumbadze said: “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.”

The 2025/26 season marked the first time Tchumbadze had played his club rugby outside of his native Georgia, having previously featured in the EPCR Challenge Cup and the Rugby Europe Super Cup for Black Lion.

The young prop fast became a favourite among teammates and supporters alike. His wildly explosive carrying style has produced many a highlight reel on social media while McMillan and assistant forwards coach Glen Townson have looked to develop Tchumbadze’s prowess at set-piece.

His impressive performances for Chiefs earned Tchumbadze a call-up to the Georgia squad for the Rugby Europe Championship earlier this year as well as being named in the squad for the World Rugby Nations Cup.

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, fellow Georgian international] 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.”