Duncan on the comeback trail

By Mark Stevens
22/1/21

USA Eagles star Jennine Duncan is hopeful she will be able to return to action for the Exeter Chiefs Women again this season.

The 27-year-old winger is currently sidelined having undergone surgery on a torn hamstring picked up in the Allianz Premier 15s clash at home to Wasps in late November.

The surgery was successful and Duncan is already making good progress in her rehab from the untimely injury.

“It’s hugely disappointing,” she said. “I got injured in the first game of the season [against Gloucester-Hartpury] when I got caught over a ruck and after screening and being off my feet for a while, we thought it was just a strain.

“I got back for the game against Wasps at the end of November and although it was feeling tight at the time, I just thought it was like that as I hadn’t played for a while. During that game, though, I knew something wasn’t quite right and the following week I had an MRI and it showed that I had a complete tendon tear in my hamstring.”

Despite the injury, Duncan is remaining positive and she is hopeful that with a productive rehab programme put in place, she will be able to get back on the field before the end of the season.

“They’ve told me it takes three to four months to rehab,” she added. “I’m hoping, fingers crossed, that I can be back on the pitch in April. I’ve got a lot of hard work to do between then and now, but we will see what happens.”

In her absence, the newly-formed Chiefs Women have settled well to life in the Premier 15s and are currently fifth in the standings, having picked up four wins from nine games so far.

Duncan was one of a number of new faces brought to the Devon club by head coach Susie Appleby last summer ahead of their maiden season in the English top flight.

“I was nervous at first,” she continued. “I didn’t really know anyone apart from Kate [Zackary] and Gabby [Cantorna] from back home, but since arriving at the club it’s been a great experience. Playing under Susie has taught me a lot and it’s a different coaching style to what I’ve experienced in the past.

“What I like is she doesn’t sugar coat anything and she tells you what she wants. The playing level is also much higher. The girls here having been playing for a lot longer and I think it’s been a good change for me.

“The club itself is great and Exeter is gorgeous, there is a lot to see here and it’s not too far away from the coast either. As I said, it’s been great, the girls have been amazing and everyone has welcomed me with open arms.”