Chiefs bid a fond farewell to club stalwart Nielson

Exeter Chiefs Women have bid a fond farewell to dual international and club stalwart Clara Nielson.

The 32-year-old, who played for both England and Ireland at hooker, as well as the Barbarians, has left the club after four seasons at Sandy Park. Devon born and bred, and raised on rugby at Tavistock RFC, Exeter Chiefs were a natural progression after nine seasons with Bristol Bears.

While studying for a degree in biological sciences and then a doctorate in marine biology at the University of Exeter, she played in the BUCS league, winning the competition three times, all while juggling her burgeoning rugby career with Bears.

Nielson was lured back to Devon a year after Exeter Chiefs had been set up and played 55 games for the club, scoring 16 tries in the process.

However, her influence was not confined to the pitch. She took on a part-time kit manager role and threw herself into supporting her fellow players and the club despite also working at The Maynard’s School as a lab technician and PE coach.

Exeter Chiefs Women’s head coach Steve Salvin said: “Clara is the very definition of a stalwart. She has always given everything she had to the club. She took on a senior leadership role off the pitch but was always a good sounding board and a shoulder of support for the players too.

“Clara was a very, very talented player. You don’t get capped by both England and Ireland if you’re not! They can’t be many players who will achieve that. We all wish her well for the future.”