Exeter Chiefs announce contract extension for Italy international

The announcement came shortly after Zambonin started in the Gallagher PREM final at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham, rounding off a breakthrough season for the 25-year-old forward.

Since joining from Zebre Parma in the summer of 2025, Zambonin has made 27 appearances in all competitions for Exeter and scored three tries.

One of his standout moments came in the EPCR Challenge Cup quarter-final, when he scored his first Chiefs try in Italy against Benetton Rugby.

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.”

Zambonin has developed a strong second-row partnership with Wales international Dafydd Jenkins this season. The pair have started 15 Premiership games together, with Zambonin also making a notable impact at the lineout, stealing 11 opposition throws.

On the international stage, Zambonin made his Italy debut in 2022 against England and became more involved during this year’s Guinness Six Nations, featuring in four of their five matches.

His performances for club and country earned him selection in the Premiership Rugby Team of the Season alongside teammates Tom Hooper, Immanuel Feyi-Waboso, and Henry Slade.

Exeter director of rugby Rob Baxter praised his progress since arriving at the club.

“He 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.”