Captain Robinson settling into leadership life
As Exeter Chiefs Women head into their fourth PWR game in the 2025/26 season, Emily Robinson will be warming up for her ninth match as the team’s new club captain.
Appointed as skipper ahead of the PWR Cup in September, Robinson has quietly gone about her business, juggling her role as a coach of Exeter College U18s girls’ squad at the same time.
Robinson is not a shouty, in-your-face captain, but rather a clam and considered leader who uses her fair and consistent influence to get the best out of the players and people around her.
She said: “I'm really enjoying it. I have to say it's been a real pleasure to lead the group. We've got brilliant leaders in the group as well, so we’re trying to use our expertise to bring out the best in people and use their strengths. I’m trying to do my best, so hopefully it's going well!”
“As a leader, I would say I'm quite consistent,” Robinson added. “You know what you get with me. I'm people-first. I love the players. I love the staff. I’m trying to make sure we are bringing the best out of people and people love it here. I try to lead by example and action as well.”
The 25-year-old has a decent support structure around her with sister and house-mate Flo and fellow flanker Maisy Allen as her vice-captains.
“I think Flo and Maisy are, firstly, brilliant players. They certainly lead by action and by example. That's a big part of being a leader. I think Flo sees the game very similarly to me. That's a big help. And Maisy, again, kind of seeing different aspects of the game maybe I'm not seeing. I think as a three, we have quite good cohesion between us. We’re definitely building that relationship, but I think we've made a good start.”
In terms of starts, Chiefs Women took third place in the PWR Cup after a six-try win over Bristol Bears Women. They started the league season brightly with victory over Trailfinders but had to fight for a try bonus point in defeat to triple champs, Gloucester-Hartpury. Last weekend, saw Chiefs take three points from a 10-try game against Loughborough Lightning.
On Sunday (KO 12:30), they face Robinson’s former club, Harlequins, back at home at Sandy Park.
“I love playing Quins. A lot of players that I have played with are still in that team, and it's a really good contest. I think with the variety they have and the way they want to play, it can be an exciting game to be part of. They've got a brilliant coach in Ross Chisholm, so I’m excited for this game.”
Among the Quins team expected at Sandy Park will be women’s rugby’s poster girl and former World Rugby Women’s 15s Player of the Year, Ellie Kildunne. However, Robinson is quick to point out there will be threats across the team.
“Quins have done some great signings. Obviously, the Black Ferns, the recent signings, two of them in the back row. Aoife Wafer… big signing again. Expecting to see a similar team to what we've been seeing in the last few rounds, so we'll definitely be doing our homework and know what we're coming up against.”
As with any home game, Chiefs will have the backing of their 16th player…the home crowd, The Gloucester-Hartpury game saw a 50% uplift on the game held at the same time last year. Robinson relishes every game she plays at Sandy Park.
“I love it. I loved it before I was a Chief; I love it now I am a Chief. The vibe is brilliant. People really want to get behind the team. They're not afraid to shout. Everyone's friendly. Everyone's here to enjoy rugby first and foremost.
“We're certainly seeing a lot more engagement as well after the games. We're having a lot more conversations with people and it feels like a lot of those people are returning and then you're seeing those familiar faces.
“Hopefully, we're building something special. It feels like people want to be a part of that rather than we're pushing people to come. It's a brilliant spectacle of rugby. Come and support us and be part of it.”
View the full interview with Emily Robinson below. To find out more, check out her programme interview from last season.