Exeter Chiefs can have a 3rd Italian worldwide of their ranks subsequent season after signing Zebre lock Andrea Zambonin, whose contract expires on the finish of the present marketing campaign.
The 6ft 8in Vicenza-born ahead joins fellow Azzurri internationals Ross Vintcent and Stephen Varney at Sandy Park as Director of Rugby Rob Baxter continues to reshape his squad after a troublesome season.
Zambonin, 24, earned his first cap in opposition to England within the 2022 Guinness Six Nations and has since made 10 appearances for Italy. He started his profession with Serie A golf equipment Rugby Calvisano and Rangers Vicenza Rugby.
He moved to United Rugby Championship aspect Zebre 4 years in the past and has scored three tries in 60 appearances. Zambonin mentioned it was a dream come true to affix the Premiership.
“I’m excited and honoured to play for a membership with such a wealthy historical past as Exeter Chiefs. They’re a younger workforce filled with expertise.
“Taking part in within the Gallagher Premiership has at all times been a dream of mine, and it’s what’s pushed me to present my finest through the years,” he mentioned.
Beneath-fire Director of Rugby Baxter is happy so as to add additional worldwide depth to his second row, which already consists of Dafydd Jenkins and Christ Tshiunza.
“We’re actually happy to signal Andrea. He’s a giant, younger, high quality worldwide lock. We’ll have some rotation within the lock place on the finish of the season.
“So Andrea coming in is an important a part of the additions we’ll make to our front-line enjoying group. He’s younger and bold, and he clearly is aware of Ross Vintcent very properly.
“For us, it’s one other transfer ahead, bringing in international-quality gamers, notably within the pack. We wish to create a gaggle with a greater steadiness of expertise.
“In current seasons, our squad has leaned extra in direction of youth and enthusiasm, however we’d prefer to stage that out a bit shifting ahead,” mentioned Baxter.
