Pinnock to bring some go-forward to Chiefs Women

Former athlete and mixed martial arts enthusiast Shya Pinnock is hoping to bring her speed and aggression to Exeter Chiefs Women’s style of play this season.

An athlete who competed in the 100m and 200m, new signing Pinnock held the U13s South West record. She then took up MMA before starting her rugby career at the age of 18 at Old Richians in Gloucester where she was lured to Hartpury College by Chiefs Women’s former head coach Susie Appleby.

It was a school friend though who was responsible for Pinnock’s entry into the rugby arena.

The back-row said: “Track was my first love...and then MMA. I never competed, but I trained in the cage, and I loved the aggression of that.

“Then my friend said: ‘Shy you’re quick and you’re aggressive, you will be perfect for rugby.’

“He took me out and basically taught me how to tackle. And I was just picking him up and putting him on the floor!”

Off the field, Pinnock studied ecology and environmental science at university before becoming a PT primarily working with women and the queer community. She is passionate about helping others.

“I just get them feeling really strong and confident in their bodies.”

Pinnock is also taking care of her own body as she makes a return from spinal surgery. She is two months into her rehabilitation and should be ready for the start of the JAECOO PWR season when she will be keen to apply her own style of play in the black shirt of Exeter Chiefs.

“The way Chiefs play matches the sort of player I am,” Pinnock said. “I’m definitely your physical, powerful, aggressive player…I’m gonna give you some go-forward: high energy, big hits, big carries!”

The Chiefs crowd will no doubt be fully on board with Pinnock’s on-pitch style and she is looking forward to being encouraged by their support.

The former Trailfinders player said: “There’s such a big community here, who really focus on the legacy. Once you’re part of the Chiefs, you’re part of the legacy. I’ve not really had that before.”

Exeter Chiefs Women will play their first game of the season against Leicester Tigers Women at Sandy Park on Sunday, 27 September (KO 15:00). Their first JAECOO PWR game is away against Bristol Bears Women on Saturday, 28 November.