According to recent reports from France, Exeter Chiefs are poised to bid farewell to Georgian international tighthead prop Nika Abuladze, who is set to join French Top 14 side Montpellier. Join the RUCK’s WhatsApp community here and get the latest news sent straight to your messages. According to leading French newspaper Midi Olympique, it's been reported that Bernard Laporte’s team has finalised an agreement to acquire Abuladze, known for his prowess in the scrum.
Abuladze, who only arrived at Sandy Park in March 2023 from RC Kochebi, has quickly caught the attention of Montpellier since his debut against them in April 2023, despite his season being cut short by a knee injury after just 16 appearances for the Chiefs.
Nika Abuladze of Exeter Chiefs looks on during the Gallagher Premiership Rugby match between Northampton Saints and Exeter Chiefs at Franklins Gardens, Northampton on 12 November 2023. - PHOTO: Patrick Khachfe/PPAUK
The departure of Abuladze adds to a trend of key players leaving Exeter for France in recent times. Montpellier has already secured the signatures of notable Chiefs players like number eight Sam Simmonds and tighthead prop Harry Williams during the previous summer.
Th club also announced the immediate
departure of Scotland international Jonny Gray, who is widely expected to sign with French side Bordeaux-Begles.
Possible incoming:
The Wallabies are facing potential centre dilemmas as Hunter Paisami, a pivotal player, contemplates a shift to the Gallagher Premiership, escalating concerns for Australian rugby.
Reported by The Roar, the 26-year-old Paisami is seriously contemplating a transfer to Exeter, with the English club, led by Rob Baxter, presenting an enticing proposal to snatch the experienced 26-Test Wallaby from Ballymore.
2025 Six Nations fixtures confirmed with England handed toughest possible start
England will kick off their 2025 Guinness Six Nations campaign with an away match at the Aviva Stadium against Ireland.
Commenting on the 2025 Guinness Six Nations fixtures, Tom Harrison, CEO of Six Nations Rugby, said:
“The Guinness Men’s Six Nations is an appointment to view each year, delivering blockbuster entertainment for fans all over the world. The Championship never fails to deliver unpredictable excitement and experiences for fans to look forward to and then savour.
"The announcement of the next instalment of fixtures is always keenly anticipated by fans, and with tickets now available for the 2025 fixtures, coupled with extensive broadcast coverage of the games, fans can already begin looking forward to what is in store as the action for the remaining rounds of this year's Championship plays out."
2025 Siz Nations Fixtures
ROUND 1
- Friday 31 January
- Saturday 1 February
- Scotland vs Italy - 2.15pm
- Ireland vs England - 4.45pm
Jamison Gibson-Park of Ireland spins the ball out during the Autumn Nations Cup match between England and Ireland at Twickenham Stadium, Twickenham, London on November 21 2020. - PHOTO: Phil Mingo/PPAUK
ROUND 2
- Saturday 8 February
- Italy vs Wales - 2.15pm
- England vs France - 4.45pm
- Sunday 9 February
- Scotland vs Ireland - 3pm
ROUND 3
- Saturday 22 February
- Wales vs Ireland - 2.15pm
- England vs Scotland - 4.45pm
- Sunday 23 February
ROUND 4
- Saturday 8 March
- Ireland vs France - 2.15pm
- Scotland vs Wales - 4.45pm
- Sunday 9 March
Ollie Lawrence of England is tackled by Tommaso Allan of Italy during the Six Nations Match between England and Italy at Twickenham, London on 12 Feb 2023 (Photo: Tom Sandberg/PPAUK)
ROUND 5
- Saturday 15 March
- Italy vs Ireland - 2.15pm
- Wales vs England - 4.45pm
- France vs Scotland - 8pm
AI predicts the next 20 Six Nations winners, Scotland finally win it
Groundbreaking AI technology has unveiled its jaw-dropping forecasts for the next two decades of Six Nations glory, and the results are nothing short of mind-blowing.
According to the cutting-edge predictions, England is poised to clinch victory in a staggering five out of the next 20 tournaments, while Scotland is primed for a historic triumph, marking their first title since their Five Nations conquest in 1999.
However, the road ahead seems daunting for Wales, as the AI oracle forecasts a prolonged wait until 2041 for their next taste of Six Nations glory.
Meanwhile, traditional powerhouses such as England, Ireland, and France are slated to dominate the competition, casting a shadow over Welsh aspirations.
Check out the next 20 Six Nations winner's below.
2025: France
2026: Ireland
2027: England
2028: England
2029: Scotland
2030: France
2031: Ireland
2032: England
2033: Ireland
2034: France
2035: Ireland
2036: England
2037: Scotland
2038: France
2039: Ireland
2040: England
2041: Wales
2042: France
2043: Ireland