Exeter’s trio of promising players have officially signed new contracts with the Chiefs, ensuring their continued presence at Sandy Park for the upcoming season. Maisy Allen, Katie Buchanan, and Nancy McGillivray, all recipients of England transition contracts, have solidified their commitment to the team following negotiations with the Red Roses earlier this month.
These remarkable athletes are part of a contingent of eight players identified as having the potential to ascend to the full England squad in the future. Emphasising the pivotal role played by the university programme in nurturing talent within the women’s rugby sphere, Exeter head coach Susie Appleby expressed her pride in the remarkable progress achieved by the aspiring players.
Maisy Allen, a proficient back row player at the age of 21, achieved the milestone of earning her first England cap last summer. Furthermore, she was a notable presence on the England squad that competed in the WXV1 tournament held in New Zealand just last year. Meanwhile, 20-year-old Katie Buchanan, a standout member of the England Under-20s, has demonstrated exceptional prowess on the field, accumulating an impressive tally of 14 tries in the 35 games played for the Chiefs since joining the team two years ago. As for 21-year-old centre Nancy McGillivray, the promising athlete has been sidelined for the current season due to a knee injury sustained at the conclusion of the previous season.
The objectives set by the coaching staff aim to cultivate a continuous stream of England players, and the recent contract renewals serve as a testament to the efficacy of the development pathway. The unwavering commitment to producing top-tier talent aligns with the overarching vision to elevate the standing of women’s rugby not only at the domestic level but also on the international stage.
As the upcoming season beckons, the Chiefs and their ardent supporters eagerly anticipate the return of these formidable talents to the pitch, where they will undoubtedly continue to be instrumental in the team’s ongoing pursuit of excellence.