Match Preview

Hot off the back of a massive win last week against Cardiff in an impressive attacking display, EURFC women face off against Edinburgh at Sandy Park in the first-ever BUCS National League and Premiership Women's Rugby doubleheader.

Despite difficult conditions last week in South Wales, Exeter managed to score an impressive ten tries in a brilliant attacking performance which should provide good momentum heading into tomorrow's clash at Sandy Park as Edinburgh make the long trip down.

Last time out against Edinburgh at Peffermill, Exeter came away with a 41-29 win, but the score line did not reflect the tough performance from the Scottish side, who stayed in the game right until the death.

Talking to 1XV captain Naomi Brennan this week, she was extremely focused on the task at hand: “I think it’s definitely a massive occasion for the girls, and we respect what Edinburgh will bring; they’re always a great team to play against. We have been building for this game since the start of term and know how important a good performance from us will be, heading into knockouts.”

Talking on the occasion, she said, “Personally running out at Sandy Park for the first time will be a great feeling and an accolade to the relationship Poppy has enabled to form between ourselves and chiefs.” It’s a massive occasion with the first-ever BUCS National League and PWR double-header, and Brennan is excited for the challenge. “At the end of the day and I said it to the girls earlier in the week, two wins for ourselves and Chiefs at the day is a success!”

Head Coach Poppy Leitch has made five changes to the starting XV that won against Cardiff last week.

In the forwards, Alessia Skeates starts at tight-head Prop, and long-time club servant Jess Thomas moves to the bench. There’s also a return for Niamh Orchard at number 8, who makes her first appearance back after a long time out with injury.

In the backs, there's a switch at scrum-half with Marshall starting and Summers moving to the bench. A return to the starting XV at outside centre for captain Brennan pushes Preece out to the wing.

Kick-off is at 12:00 at Sandy Park, followed immediately by Exeter Chiefs Women vs Loughborough Lightening at 14:30 in the PWR. Live updates will be available on EURFC Women's Twitter and Instagram Stories.