Exeter University are delighted to officially announce that from the 2022/23 season, we will be entering a women’s side into the English Rugby local leagues.

Initially starting in Women’s NC South West (West,) the side will be branded as Exeter Athletic, playing matches on a Sunday, with home fixtures to be played at the University Playing Fields, Topsham.

The side will be a hybrid group, made up of Exeter University players, Exeter Chiefs Academy Players (17+) and local players who are aspiring to play for Exeter University, Exeter Athletic and Exeter Chiefs.

With the aim of creating an opportunity that will help provide a pathway for local players, this is a significant moment for women’s rugby in Exeter.

Initially, the side will compete against Launceston Ladies, Crediton Ladies, Bude Ladies, Totnes Ladies, Bideford Ladies and Teignmouth Ladies. They will play in Exeter Athletic kit, with both the Exeter University and Exeter Athletic logos adorning the shirt.

The side will be coached by Exeter University Women’s Head Coach and Exeter Chiefs Women’s co-captain Poppy Leitch, with assistance from within the playing squad at Exeter Chiefs Women.

Speaking about the formation of the side, Leitch was enthused ahead of the new season.

“I’m really excited about this project and cannot wait to see the development of the players throughout the season. There is a very clear pathway beginning to form between the university and Exeter Chiefs and, with the Chiefs Centre of Excellence continuing to develop talented young players, entering this side into the league will allow players from across Exeter to get valuable minutes on the rugby field to prepare themselves for a career in the game.”

Exeter University Director of Rugby Keith Fleming is also excited by the potential for the side. With over 100 players joining Exeter University Women’s rugby last season, interest and engagement in women’s rugby is continuing to increase at a rate of knots.

“I can’t think of a better person to be leading this side than Poppy. She knows the game and rugby in the Southwest better than anyone else. Women’s rugby is growing at an incredible rate, and this is the next step for that to continue here in Exeter.”

More details are to be announced in the coming weeks, with fixtures and information regarding training sessions to follow.