Chiefs indebted to new women's kit sponsors

By Mark Stevens
25/9/20

A new and exciting chapter in the history of Exeter Rugby Club is about to take-off next month with the launch of the Exeter Chiefs Women’s side.

Set to be part of the elite Premier 15s competition, the Chiefs side - who will come under the guidance of former England internationals Susie Appleby and Amy Garnett - are ready to break new ground and establish themselves as a growing force within the English Women’s game.

Already, a host of international names have been signed up, alongside a wealth of Westcountry-based talent as the Chiefs look to make an instant impact.

Setting up a new team such as this, however, needs support and Exeter Rugby Club are indebted to the backing it has received from kit sponsors: SW Comms Energy, Jurassic Kitchens, Cameron Jones Financial Management Ltd, The Maynard School, GX Accounts Lady’s Mile Holiday Park and official kit suppliers, Samurai Sportswear.

All six companies - who were invited along to Sandy Park to meet coaches Susie and Amy, as well as players Garnet MacKinder and Patricia Garcia Rodriguez - will have their logos placed on the new Exeter Chiefs Women’s kit.

Lisa Duncan, Sales & Marketing Director for the Exeter Chiefs, said: “The creation of our women’s team is not only a fantastic opportunity for us as a club to showcase ourselves in a new and different environment, but for all of our new sponsors coming on board, they too will get the chance to be seen by a huge audience.

“Women’s sport has never been so popular and here at the Chiefs we are excited at what can be achieved by our team entering into the top tier of the women’s game in this country. Setting up a squad like this, particularly during a pandemic like we are in currently, could not be done without the fantastic support we have been shown by our key sponsors.

“We thank all six companies for the part they have played and we look forward to a highly successful partnership.”

Just as the Chiefs are looking forward to the new partnerships provided, so too the companies themselves are relishing the opportunity to be part of creating history

Brian Lodge/Jon Whiley - SW Comms Energy

“As a long-term sponsor of Exeter Chiefs, we have witnessed plenty of major changes at the club and the introduction a of women’s side is no exception. We are proud to be associated with this new team and I hope its existence it will inspire young players in an area where girls’ rugby is already very strong.

“swcomms-energy is delighted to sponsor the Exeter Chiefs Women. Just as they are a new team to Exeter, we are a new team to swcomms, so we felt there was synergy between the two as we both try to make our mark in our respective fields. We wish Susie, Amy and the squad the very best ahead of their first season in the Premier 15s division.”

Sarah Dunn - The Maynard School

“As soon as we heard that Exeter Chiefs’ would be expanding into women’s rugby we knew that we wanted to be a part of such a pivotal moment in sport here in the West Country. As the oldest girls’ school in the country and, indeed, the South West Independent Secondary School of the Year (The Sunday Times), with our own excellent track record in the sports arena as well as the classroom, we knew forming a partnership with the Chiefs’ Women would be the perfect match; our students and staff are all absolutely thrilled by the association.

“It is such a very proud moment to have one of the top teams in the country bearing The Maynard logo on their sleeves and we shall all be avidly supporting them in all of their matches. Importantly, we know that this partnership will be inspirational to all of our students; that if you can dream it, you can do it! We wish the Chiefs Women the very best of luck and we look forward to many successful seasons ahead.”

Jon Axon – Jurassic Kitchens

“Jurassic Kitchens & Living Spaces are delighted to be a new sponsor of the new Exeter Chiefs Women’s Rugby team. We hope that this partnership will help promote women’s rugby and continue to raise both the profile of the sport and the newly-formed team. Female participation in rugby is growing significantly and we hope that this sponsorship will help continue to promote the sport to a wider audience.

Exeter Chiefs Women are committed to working with the local universities and athletics clubs to inspire and develop new players. We are proud to offer support to our local team and are very excited to follow the team’s progress.”

Glenn Redler – GX Accounts

“We’re delighted and feel privileged to be sponsoring the Exeter Chiefs’ Women’s team in their inaugural season. We are excited to see the introduction of the Women’s side to Sandy Park and the positive effects this will have on female sport in the local community. This will be a fantastic opportunity to give local female rugby players the chance to aim to play on a national level, and will no doubt have an impact on younger players in the years to come”

Fiona Bolt – Cameron Jones Financial Management

“Cameron Jones Financial Management are delighted and proud to be sponsors of Exeter Chiefs Women. We love supporting and encouraging women to succeed in every area of their lives , whether it’s career, personally or financially. We are looking forward to celebrating every step of their journey in this exciting new venture.”

Stephen Brown – Lady’s Mile

“Lady’s Mile Holiday park is proud to support the Exeter Chiefs Women’s team. As a family holiday park, we are excited to see the Exeter Chiefs family grow. We hope the women inspire local girls to take up such a great sport.”