Orchard Signs Two-Year Contract with Exeter Chiefs Women

Back row and second row Niamh Orchard has signed a deal to remain with Exeter Chiefs Women for another two seasons.

The University of Exeter student has already featured nine times for Chiefs in the last two seasons, having made her debut against DMP Sharks in September 2022. She made her first Allianz PWR league appearance against Leicester Tigers earlier this season.

A mainstay of the university’s BUCS team under the coaching leadership of Poppy Leitch, Orchard has continued to impress this season with her last appearance against Saracens last weekend.

Head coach Susie Appleby said: “Niamh brings a powerful game and she’s also a very good handler of the ball. She’s maturing into an excellent back-row forward, which adds real strength in depth for us. We are really excited to explore where she can take her game in the next couple of seasons.”

Orchard is currently in her last year at university, studying sport and exercise science, having moved to the city from Gloucester-Hartpury College.

She began playing rugby for Arabian Knights RFC in Dubai before moving to England in 2015 and joining Sutton & Epson RFC. She has also played for England U20s.

Orchard said: “This is a great opportunity for me. I have loved playing in the BUCS league but am also thrilled to represent Exeter Chiefs any time I am selected. I have learned so much playing with the girls at university and have benefited from the coaching I have received from Poppy and Rachel (Johnson), and Steve Salvin at Chiefs, of course. I am really excited to see how far I can go in rugby and am grateful to get this chance.”