Exeter Chiefs lock Andrea Zambonin will miss the beginning of the 2026-2027 season following surgery on a shoulder injury.
The 25-year-old Italy international played 27 games in his debut season at Sandy Park, including Exeter’s 26-17 defeat to Northampton in the Prem final.
Chiefs director of rugby Rob Baxter told the club website:, external “Unfortunately, Andrea returned from Italy’s summer games with a niggling shoulder issue that, upon further inspection, was deemed serious enough to require an operation.
“His recovery timescale looks like he won’t be available until after the autumn international block.”
Fellow lock Dafydd Jenkins has also undergone shoulder surgery this summer, missing Wales’ summer Nations Championship fixtures, but could be available for the beginning of the season.
Exeter hooker and club captain Jack Yeandle missed the end of the 2025-2026 season following surgery on a foot injury, but is set to feature in pre-season alongside fellow returning hooker Max Norey.
Chiefs’ pre-season games begin with Scarlets at Sandy Park on 5 September before a Prem Rugby Cup game at home to Bristol Bears a week later.
They will then play a friendly against Cardiff before kicking-off the new Prem season against Gloucester on 26 September.
