World Cup-winning duo headline 13 international re-signings at Exeter

Exeter Chiefs have confirmed the re-signing of 13 internationals prior to the 2026/27 JAECOO Premiership Women’s Rugby season.

This includes all five of their capped Red Roses, including Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 winners Maddie Feaunati and Claudia Moloney-MacDonald, as well as Maisy Allen, Emily Robinson and Flo Robinson.

Francesca Granzotto [Italy], DaLeaka Menin [Canada], Cliodhna Moloney-MacDonald [Ireland], Hope Rogers [USA], Amy Rule [New Zealand], Eilidh Sinclair [Scotland], Alex Tessier [Canada] and Linde van der Velden [Netherlands] have also penned new deals at Sandy Park

Club centurion Merry Elworthy, along with Taz Bricknell, Sofia Bekir Fuente, Lucy Nye and Sammy Wong have also signed on for more.

Last season Exeter finished third in the PWR table and exited the play-offs with a defeat to eventual champions, Saracens.

Across the summer American investor group, Black Knight Rugby, completed their purchase of Chiefs, and Oli Bishop was named as the team’s new head coach after the departure of Steve Salvin for a role with Wales.

A number of senior additions have also been made to their senior squad. Wales internationals Maisie Davies and Carys Phillips have arrived in Devon, as has former Team GB athlete Deborah Wills.

Oli Bishop, Exeter Chiefs Women, said: “Last season, we looked to evolve our identity on and off the pitch, allowing the players to showcase rugby that represents them and this club.

“We made huge progress through the season in this regard. For us it was important to look to retain the vast majority of our squad to continue this evolution this coming season.

“We have some extremely talented internationals and long-serving Chief players that are at the core of what we do. We also have an exciting group of young players that developed brilliantly last season and we are excited to see them progress again this coming season.

“With some specific new signings, we look to continue to be a competitive team working for a top four spot and, hopefully, a home semi-final.”