Chiefs Women’s young guns sign transition contracts

Exeter Chiefs have signed up promising talent from the U23s pathway to enhance the women’s programme for the 2026/27 season.

Ten young players have been contracted to the club, including 18-year-old Izzy Firth who has only just left Exeter College.

England U18s captain centre Meghan Crilly will join also the Exeter Chiefs transition squad after two years at Loughborough College, competing in the ACE League.

Prop Lilly Plowman and lock Ellie Wood return for another year under this agreement while new for this season are scrum-half Charlotte Coyle, tighthead prop Amelia Lambourn, back-row Izzy Newnes-Smith, hooker Tara O’Neill, winger Tilly Pulfer and centre Frankie Welsher.

Many of these players have been identified after successful seasons with the University of Exeter, competing in the BUCS and Championship South 1 leagues.

University of Exeter women’s head coach and Exeter Chiefs U23s lead Poppy Leitch said: “When I came into this role, securing pathway contracts was the main objective. I wanted players within the U23s programme to see that we are genuinely invested in their future in professional rugby.

“Not only are these players hugely talented, but they are also fantastic people who I know are only going to add to the Exeter Chiefs environment. I am excited to watch and celebrate them grow in the next 12 months.”

All 10 players will be studying at the University of Exeter from September onwards.

Plowman has already made three appearances for Exeter Chiefs Women while many of the new recruits trained with the squad while the Guinness Women’s Six Nations and Pacific Four Series was taking place.

Leitch added: “I hope that for the players who are still in the U23a pathway, they see that professional opportunities are available to them. Players who were in their position only 12 months ago are now going to be training weekly alongside some of the best PWR players in the country. Although 10 have recently received contracts, I anticipate more to be joining them on their journey very soon. The South West is full of talent.”

This group of players will train with the squad in pre-season ahead of the newly named JAECOO PWR Next Gen Cup while also competing in the Women’s BUCS Super Rugby and in the Women’s Championship South 1 leagues.

From L to R above: Frankie Welsher, Ellie Wood, Lilly Plowman, Tilly Pulfer, Charlotte Coyle, Meghan Crilly, Izzy Firth and Amelia Lambourn (not pictured - Izzy Newnes-Smith and Tara O’Neill)