EXETER Chiefs lock Andrea Zambonin will miss the start of the new rugby season after undergoing surgery on a shoulder injury.

The 25-year-old Italian international made 27 appearances during his debut campaign at Sandy Park, including the Premiership final defeat by Northampton Saints.

However, Zambonin returned from Italy’s summer fixtures with a shoulder problem which has now required an operation.

Chiefs’ director of rugby Rob Baxter confirmed the forward is not expected to return until after the autumn internationals.

“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,” said Baxter.

“His recovery timescale looks like he won’t be available until after the autumn international block.”

Zambonin’s absence adds to the Chiefs’ concerns in the second row, with fellow lock Dafydd Jenkins also having undergone shoulder surgery this summer. Jenkins missed Wales’ summer Nations Championship fixtures but could yet be available for the beginning of the domestic season.

Chiefs club captain Jack Yeandle is another player returning from injury, having missed the closing stages of last season following foot surgery. The hooker is expected to feature during pre-season, alongside fellow returning hooker Max Norey.

Exeter begin their pre-season programme against Scarlets at Sandy Park on September 5, before hosting Bristol Bears in the Premiership Rugby Cup a week later.

They will then face Cardiff in a friendly on September 19 before opening their Premiership campaign against Gloucester on September 26.

Meanwhile, Exeter Chiefs Women duo Cliodhna Moloney-MacDonald and Dorothy Wall have been named in Ireland’s 36-player training squad for the WXV Global Series.

Chiefs head coach Oli Bishop said both players would be “hugely important” to Ireland during their matches against South Africa and the USA.

Club-mate Nancy McGillivray was unavailable for selection because of education commitments.