Exeter Chiefs 'delighted' as familiar face confirmed as new head coach

Exeter Chiefs have promoted Oli Bishop to the role of head coach prior to the 2026/27 JAECOO Premiership Women’s Rugby campaign.

Bishop joined the Devon club last summer as attack and backs coach, and had prior PWR coaching experience with London clubs Trailfinders Women and Wasps Women.

In his first season, Bishop implemented one of the most exciting attacks in the English women’s top flight. As the club returned to the play-offs at the first time of asking, Exeter scored 82 tries [third-most in the league] and bagged 14 try-scoring bonus points [joint-second].

He replaces Steve Salvin as in Sandy Park’s top job. Salvin left the role after one season to join Sean Lynn’s Wales as an assistant coach.

Bishop said: “I’m incredibly proud and grateful for the opportunity to lead Exeter Chiefs Women. Last season showed what’s possible, both on and off the pitch, but I believe we’re only just scratching the surface of what this group can achieve.

“We have a fantastic group of players and staff who are committed to delivering a great product, and I’m excited to build on the foundations we’ve laid together. Our focus now is on creating an environment where people can thrive, continuing to develop our identity as a team, and competing consistently with the very best in the league.”

This summer Chiefs have appointed former Leicester Tigers head coach Ross Bundy as their forwards’ coach.

Across a coaching career that is over a decade old, Bishop has not only gained vast experience in PWR, but has also worked in school, university and sevens environments.

To date, Exeter have recruited Wales internationals Maisie Davies and Carys Phillips, as well as Team GB Olympian, Deborah Wills. The club have also promoted Honey Kerslake – the daughter of All Blacks legend Jerry Collins – from their Exeter College set-up.

Rob Baxter, Exeter Chiefs director of rugby, said: “I’m delighted Oli has accepted the role of head coach. I think he’s been a very positive and strong influence on the group over the last season.

“He’s got a lot of experience in the women’s game and has put a lot of time and effort into improving himself as a coach, gaining varied experience both in the domestic and international game. I think people will probably be surprised when they look at the strength of his CV.

“To take this opportunity now to lead a programme, I think is fully deserved for Oli. I fully believe that when people come in, work very hard and commit to something, showing that they’re fully engrossed in the programme as a whole then they’re the right people to promote.

“Oli has a role now to finalise the last bits of recruitment for his squad. I know he’s also been deep in the process of getting preseason preparation right, so that’s all very well planned.

“I think this is a very positive statement for us in terms of the continuity of our women’s squad and looking at where they can progress to in the future.”