Zambonin locks into new Chiefs contract early

Exeter Chiefs and Italian international lock Andrea Zambonin has put pen to paper on an early contract until the end of the 2027/28 season.

In the direct aftermath of starting the Gallagher PREM final at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham, this signing news puts the finishing touch on top of a breakthrough season for the 25-year-old.

Since joining from Zebre Rugby in the summer of 2025, Zambonin has made 27 Chiefs appearances in all competitions and scored three tries. Most notably, his debut Chiefs try was on Italian soil as he powered over against Benetton in the EPCR Challenge Cup quarter final.

He said: “It has been great to be part of this group. Everyone is so tight, they really care about each other. We know that we can count on everyone in the group.

“Our environment is really fun to be a part of, so we always enjoy each week together. I think one of my highlights has to be either the Leicester Tigers away win, where I was awarded Player of the Match, or our performance against Bath in the play-off. Both of those results were incredibly special.

“I’m excited to have re-signed because I can’t wait to see what more we can achieve as a group.”

The young Italian has struck up a profitable on-field partnership with fellow international Dafydd Jenkins this season. Including last Saturday’s final, the pair have started 15 games as a duo in the Prem this season, with Zambonin stealing 11 opposition lineout throws.

Having made his Italian debut in 2022 against England, Zambonin came to the forefront of the squad in their Guinness Six Nations campaign earlier this year, featuring in four out of their five games.

In impressive form on the international and domestic stage, Zambonin’s prowess for Exeter was acknowledged with his recent selection to the Prem Rugby Team of the Season alongside his teammates Tom Hooper, Immanuel Feyi-Waboso and Henry Slade.

Director of rugby Rob Baxter said: “Andrea has come into our environment and done fantastically well for us. He’s just one of those guys who has grown through the course of the season.

“He’s had some outstanding games for us, including man of the match in some huge fixtures. We’ve seen so much growth in a young man who is not just a very good rugby player but also a very good team man. He’s very popular among the squad, and he’s someone we can just see getting better and better.

“He is undoubtably going to become a very good international rugby player. We’re delighted to have brought him to the club in the first place but to have him be happy to extend his stay after just a year here, it’s a proud day for us.”