Chiefs Women make their mark on WXV 2026

Twelve Chiefs Women have pulled on their boots to contribute to the re-imagined WXV Global Series and Challenger.

As the WXV competition takes a break before the home nations head overseas, we take a look back at the first three weeks of both tournaments and our players’ contribution.

All three of Chiefs’ Red Roses featured in England’s first three games with winger Claudia Moloney-MacDonald starting every one, scoring four tries along the way. Back-row Maddie Feaunati also played all three games, putting in a Player of the Match performance against Black Ferns in a thrilling win at the Allianz Stadium last weekend. Scrum-half Flo Robinson also got the opportunity to play at home at Sandy Park as the Red Roses drew 26-26 with Canada in front of a sell-out crowd.

For the Canadians, tighthead prop DaLeaka Menin and centre Alex Tessier have been among the first names on the teamsheet in their fixtures against Scotland, England and France. Menin was also named Player of the Match at Sandy Park for her two tries at home. Chiefs players scored 20 of the 52 points on the board that day!

Chiefs welcomed a new Scot into their midst as Katie Buchanan ran out for her first cap against Canada at the Hive Stadium in Edinburgh. She came off the bench for Scotland’s remaining two games against New Zealand and Australia too.

Welsh prop and new Chiefs signing Maisie Davies has started both games for her country’s series at Cardiff Arms Park, scoring a try in their 50-19 win over South Africa.

Italy and Ireland have also only played two games so far before they head off to the US and South African respectively. Winger Francesca Granzotto featured in both games for Italy, kicking three of the conversions in their 55-21 victory over Japan. Lock Dorothy Wall started for Ireland against the USA and Japan. Hooker Cliodhna Moloney-MacDonald also started against the USA and scored against the Eagles.

The Eagles most capped player, loosehead prop Hope Rogers, featured in both games for her country, scoring against Ireland, to keep that cap tally turning over.

Meanwhile, in the WXV Global Series Challenger in Hong Kong, Linde van der Velden has led her country to two wins but despite her score against Fiji, they were denied their third win by three points. She was awarded Player of the Match for her two-try performance against Samoa when the Netherlands Dames won 70-0. They also beat Brazil 15-17.

The WXV action returns on October 17 with three weekends of games rounding off on October 31.