'I really want to enjoy my rugby': Phillips trades London for the South West

Carys Phillips has swapped Harlequins for Exeter Chiefs ahead of the 2026/27 JAECOO Premiership Women’s Rugby season.

The 87-cap, 12-year Wales international joined Harlequins in 2023 from Worcester Warriors.

The 33-year-old’s arrival is timely following Emily Tuttosi’s departure from Devon for a coaching role in her native Canada.

As Harlequins missed out on a play-off space in 2025/26, Phillips made 15 appearances for the West London club and scored four tries.

Phillips said: “I’m looking forward to joining Chiefs and this exciting group of players this season. I really want to enjoy my rugby and feel like Exeter will allow me to do that alongside continuing to develop me as a player. I can’t wait to get started.”

At the end of June, Phillips represented Susie Appleby’s Barbarians against Wales at Allianz Stadium.

When she took to the field to take on her international teammates, Phillips joined her father, Rowland, in representing the touring side. They are the first father-daughter duo to do so.

Phillips is the second Wales international to sign on at Sandy Park next season. 17-cap loosehead prop Maisie Davies will arrive from Bristol Bears.

Shya Pinnock, Tilly Ryall and Lizzie Lander will also call Exeter home from the start of next season.

Exeter are still yet to announce a replacement for head coach Steve Salvin. At the start of July the one-year Chiefs boss was confirmed as Wales’ full-time forwards coach.

In the meantime Chiefs have gained new owners and Ross Bundy has joined the club as an assistant coach.

Oli Bishop, Exeter Chiefs assistant coach, said: “With the departure of Emily Tuttosi at the end of last season, Carys will bring that same kind of experience to our squad.

“She is also very familiar with our league from her time with Quins… and we’ve heard she is a bit of a joker, so I think she will fit right in!”