VIDEO. Georgia, World Cup… 3 things to know about Nika Abuladze, new pillar of Montpellier

Nika Abuladze (à droite) a disputé la coupe du monde avec la Géorgie. MAXPPP – olivier corsan

Montpellier a officialisé, ce jeudi 11 juillet, la signature du pilier géorgien Nika Abuladze (28 ans, 16 sélections) en provenance d'Exeter. 

Montpellier Rugby has formalized the signing for three seasons of Georgian international left pillar Nika Abuladze from Exeter.

A career in Georgia

If Nika Abuladze played last season for the English club Exeter (5 matches), it was his first experience outside his country. Indeed, until then in his native country, first in the Georgian championship with RC Kochebi then within the Blacks Lions franchise, the Georgian franchise from Tbilisi which plays in the Rugby Europe Super Cup. It was not until March 2023, at the age of 26, that he left Georgia for England. He played 16 matches with the English club Exeter.

International in his country

Nika Abuladze is also a Georgian international. He also played in the last World Cup in France under the colors of Lelos for the first time. He has 16 caps with his country.

Exeter wanted to keep it

The left pillar was under contract with his English club until 2025. And Exeter would have liked to keep him. Nika Abuladze was just returning from an Achilles injury when he was contacted by the MHR. "A month ago, we didn't expect Nika to leave. He was under contract. We expected him to be back at the start of next season after his Achilles tendon injury", explained Rob Baxter, the rugby director of ;rsquo;Exeter last May.