Exeter Chiefs complete the signing of 6ft 8in Italy international

Thursday, 01 May 2025 at 12:25

byRugby Rucker

Exeter Chiefs have bolstered their engine room with the signing of Italian international lock Andrea Zambonin ahead of the 2025/26 Gallagher Premiership season.

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The 6ft 8in forward makes the move from Zebre Parma and will be stepping outside Italian club rugby for the first time in his career. Zambonin, 24, has already made a splash in the United Rugby Championship—and now he's ready for a new challenge in the West Country.

“A dream come true”

The Azzurri ace couldn’t hide his excitement after putting pen to paper.

“I’m excited and honoured to play for a club with such a rich history as Exeter Chiefs,” Zambonin said.

“They are a young team full of talent. Playing in the Gallagher Premiership has always been a dream of mine, and it’s what’s driven me to give my best over the years.”

He won’t be short of company either, with fellow Italians Ross Vintcent and Stephen Varney already embedded in Chiefs territory.

From Vicenza to Sandy Park

Born in Vicenza, Zambonin made his Italy debut in the 2022 Six Nations against England and has picked up 10 caps to date. A product of Rugby Calvisano and Rangers Vicenza, he caught the eye with powerful performances in Serie A before being snapped up by Zebre in 2021.

Fast forward four years and Zambonin has clocked up 60 appearances and three tries for the URC side—firmly establishing himself as one of Italy’s most promising second-row prospects.

Rob Baxter's verdict

Exeter’s Director of Rugby Rob Baxter was full of praise for his latest signing, who will compete for spots alongside Dafydd Jenkins, Christ Tshiunza, and Jonny Gray.

“We’re really pleased to sign Andrea,” said Baxter. “He’s a big, young, quality international lock.

“We’ll have some rotation at the lock position at the end of the season, so Andrea coming in is a very important part of the additions we’ll make to our front-line playing group.

“He’s young, ambitious, and he obviously knows Ross Vintcent very well. For us, it’s another move forward, bringing in international-quality players in the pack.

“In recent seasons, our experience range has leaned towards youth and exuberance, but we’d like to build more balance across the squad.”