Chiefs Women sign Lola Whitley from Gloucester-Hartpury

Exeter Chiefs Women have signed versatile forward Lola Whitley from Gloucester-Hartpury.

The 21-year-old is equally comfortable at lock and in the back-row and played for England U20s last year.

Initially more of a fan of athletics, 100 metres and high jump in particular, Whitley began playing rugby at Sudbury RFC aged 13 when a friend dragged her along to a game. She started off on the wing and scored 10 tries in that first match.

She said: “I was pretty awful, but I just loved running though people!”

Part of large girls’ programme at Sudbury, Whitley started to hear about the opportunities offered at Hartpury College where she could achieve her dream of concentrating on rugby. She went on to study business management at Hartpury University where she played in the BUCS programme, meeting Exeter Chiefs’ Niamh Orchard along the way, before making her Gloucester-Hartpury debut in October 2022.

“Niamh told me about the environment at Exeter Chiefs and I felt like it was more me,” said Whitley. “I feel I need a change and a challenge as a player, and I am looking forward to getting stuck in next season.”

Interim head coach Steve Salvin said: “Lola is an England qualified player who has already come through the U20s pathway and was highly recommended by the U20s coaches. She has all the attributes to play Premiership rugby but just wants the opportunity to play consistently. We are really excited Lola is joining us.”