Chiefs’ Students contribute to comprehensive victory

Tries from Exeter Chiefs' Zoe Dare and Danielle Preece, amid a dozen for England Students, saw them secure a 74-22 victory over the UKAF.

It was the England Students’ first game back for 20 years played at the Army Rugby Stadium in Aldershot on Friday.

A busload of Chiefs players and staff made the journey to support their team-mates: co-captain Naomi Brennan, Dare, Preece, Hannah Sams, Alessia Skeates, Lola Whitley and Anna Woodman, plus Connie Clarke from the University of Exeter.

England Students’ tries were also scored by Amy Dale, Charli Mai-Manns, Eloise Harris, plus a hat-trick from Grace White and four from Ellen Scantlebury.

The UKAF responded with tries from Daisy Aspinall (2) and Orla Proctor went over. Chiefs scrum-half Lucy Nye was lively throughout the game too for the United Kingdom Armed Force, who now head into the International Defence Rugby Competition (IDRC).

Exeter Chiefs Women’s U23s head coach Poppy Leitch was England Students assistant coach. She said: “To be selected for England Students is an honour. The eight from Exeter were integral in the result against the UKAF on Friday night. Each of the eight represented the rose in the most professional manner, off and on the pitch. It was a joy to see them connect with other players from different institutions, and learn from coaches who brought a breadth of experience and knowledge. All players involved should be really proud of themselves. This is only the beginning of their fantastic rugby journeys."

Photo credit: Fairlight Creative