Exeter’s Italy lock Andrea Zambonin has signed a new contract to keep him at the Prem club until the summer of 2028.
The 25-year-old enjoyed a breakout first campaign at Sandy Park, helping Exeter reach the Prem final after finishing third in the regular season.
It is the first new piece of squad news since Exeter were taken over by US-based owners Black Knight Rugby earlier this week.
Zambonin – who has won 18 caps for Italy – has played 27 times for Exeter since joining from Zebre last summer, scoring three tries.
He has formed a strong partnership with Wales star Dafydd Jenkins in the middle of the Exeter pack and was picked in the Prem Rugby team of the season.
“Andrea 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,” Exeter director of rugby Rob Baxter told the club website.
“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 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.”
