Chiefs add American fly-half Foster

By Harry Scott-Munro
15/12/21

Exeter Chiefs Women’s Head Coach Susie Appleby has bolstered her squad with the arrival of American international Megan Foster.

The 29-year-old fly-half, who hails from Davis California, has eight Test caps to her name since her debut in 2016 and started against the England Red Roses in Worcester last month.

Having previously played for the San Diego Surfers, Appleby believes she has secured a player “with a very good skill-set,” and admits that she is looking forward to seeing how her kicking game adds an extra dynamic to her squad.

“Meg has demonstrated she can run a game at International level. She brings good variety to the way she plays, whilst her kicking game will be particularly useful for us,” explained Appleby. “I think she will complement our squad well and I’m really looking forward to getting her playing with us.”

Foster arrived in Exeter last week and has spent the period since getting up to speed with the Chiefs’ patterns of play.

“I knew the Chiefs have a competitive squad where I will be able to be challenged and grow my personal development. I also know they have a good team dynamic, which is important to me,” said Foster of her decision to join the club.

With current international team-mates Kate Zackary, Rachel Johnson, Gabby Cantorna and Jennine Detiveaux already a part of Appleby’s squad, Foster admitted that she had been keeping a close eye on the progress of the Chiefs over the last 18 months.

“I probably knew more about the Chiefs than the average person as I had a few USA team-mates on the team last year and this year. I’ve heard great things from them all. Plus, I’ve been watching from California and rooting them on for a year and a half now. I would get up at 5 or 6am just to watch them play.”

Foster also explained that she was looking forward to “an incredible opportunity to learn and play with a variety of nationalities,” as part of a Chiefs team that has internationals from the British Isles, Spain, Canada, Japan and the Netherlands, as well as her compatriots, who she expressed her excitement at playing with at club level, once the likes of Cantorna and Johnson return from injury.

“I think it’s an incredible opportunity to have such a diverse team and I am lucky to be a part of it. Any opportunity to play at a high level with my USA teammates is a good one and I can’t wait till everyone is healthy and back on the playing pitch!”

Foster also took the time to highlight her aim of developing herself as a player during her time in the South West, as well as her goal of seeing the side progress up the table.

“Personally, I hope to develop my skill set and decision making as a player while I’m here. As a teammate, I hope to be part of the growth of not only this wonderful program but of the sport itself as well. I think we can have a strong run this year and I hope to help the team get to the top.”

Foster’s first opportunity to show what she can do in an Exeter shirt could come this weekend against DMP Sharks.