Chiefs Women return to action after six-week match break

While Exeter Chiefs Women have been back in training for a few weeks, this weekend marks their return to action in the PWR with a home game against Leicester Tigers Women (Sunday, 1 February – KO 13:00).

The league-wide break allowed many of Chiefs’ overseas players to return home for Christmas and New Year while others took the opportunity for some quality down-time. Players’ Instagram feeds were full of sun-filled photos of Australia and New Zealand while others sought out the snow or city breaks in the Northern Hemisphere. A few 30th birthdays were celebrated along the way too.

For Alex Tessier, it meant a return to Canada.

“I went back home. It was nice to just have some more quiet time. And luckily, I managed a week in Canada, which was perfect timing over Christmas. Lovely snow out there, so it's been good. It's been relaxing, but at the same time, I was definitely eager to get back into things.”

For anyone who has been living in Devon and most of the UK for the last few weeks, the over-riding mode of weather has been wind and rain. The men’s fixture against Bristol Bears last Saturday was a typical scene of late.

This has meant both teams have been training in the inclement conditions Exeter has had to offer.

The Canadian skipper noted: “It's been wet! It's been raining a lot, which is not ideal, but you’ve got to get used to it, I guess…I don't know if I ever will!

“But no, it's been good. I think training has been fun, more like kind of a pre-season vibe, so lots of games and breakouts.”

Exeter Chiefs Women finished block one of the PWR with a frustrating loss to second-placed Saracens, now top, leaving them in fourth place in the league with just four points separating third and sixth place. But what was Tessier’s summation of the season so far?

Despite scoring two tries against Saracens, she said: “I'm not easy to satisfy. I think we could offer more. I think we let maybe two games slip out with the draw and stuff, but it’s definitely something to build on. Definitely a massive opportunity in the second block of this season.”

Chiefs start the second eight-week block with a home game at Sandy Park against Leicester Tigers Women, who are chasing their first win of the 2025/26 season

“I think that is a good start for us to get back into things, but obviously we can expect Leicester to come out firing, for sure. I think they've struggled in the first block, but I think we need to shift the focus on us and really go at what we've been trying to achieve in attack and in defence as well. Definitely looking to just get out there, get back into it, and have a good performance against Leicester.”

This game sees tickets for children and youths (up to 17 inclusive) set at just £1. A similar deal is being offered for Chiefs Men’s PREM Rugby Cup game against Sale Sharks the day before to generate the crowd numbers that the players love to play in front of.

Tessier concluded: “I love those big crowds. We’re getting used to it every weekend, especially at Sandy Park. There's been a good turnout this season, and I think we always look forward to those games at home. They're always a bit special, and we love bigger crowds for sure!”

If you want to be part of that crowd, please follow this link to purchase your tickets.

Watch the full video interview below.