Robbo “absolutely buzzing” for season opener

The new players have been recruited. The new head and assistant coaches are in position. The pre-season sessions are done. It’s game time!

As Exeter Chiefs Women head towards their long-awaited first game of the 2026/27 season this weekend, cup captain Emily Robinson is keen to hit the ground running.

Last year’s captain and leading the squad for the JAECOO Next Gen Cup period that starts against Leicester Tigers Women this Sunday (KO 13:00), Robinson said: “I think we're certainly excited. Pre-season's a bit of a love-hate relationship, but we're ready to go for the first game.

“But pre-season's been a great time. We've had lots of change with Oli (Bishop) as head coach, and now we've had Ross's (Bundy) expertise in for the forwards. So, it's been really exciting, lots of new opinions, getting to grips with each other, building good relationships. We’ve built really good foundations for the season ahead.”

An extra week off due to a bye week, Chiefs will come up against Bundy’s former side Tigers this weekend, who may have recruited well in the off-season, but suffered a heavy loss to Saracens last weekend. They now have to travel Sandy Park to face Chiefs and their loyal supporters.

“We're absolutely buzzing. We get to play at Sandy Park. We absolutely love playing at Sandy Park. It’s super cool to be back with the home fans. We’re ready to go.”

The JAECOO Next Gen Cup is all about bringing through young English players, and Chiefs will look to Poppy Leitch’s U23s programme to give them game-time at a high level alongside experienced athletes.

Robinson added: “We've certainly got some really good players…players that the fans may not have necessarily heard of or seen before, but they're certainly players to look out for. I am so excited to see them in a Chiefs shirt for the first time.

“And then we've obviously got Carys Phillips, coming over from Harlequins, four World Cups to her name, amazing experience. Having someone like her in the squad to build the younger players and their leadership skills, is going to be amazing for us.”

The Chiefs Women’s squad were out in force at Saturday’s Red Roses against Canada, either coaching young players or working in corporate hospitality. Robinson witnessed her younger sister Flo run out in the white shirt of England but also a packed home stadium full of fans supporting women’s rugby.

Robinson concluded: “Claud (Claudia Moloney-MacDonald), Maddie (Feaunati) and Flo all played on the weekend for England. Then we had Tess (Alex Tessier) and DaLeaka (Menin) for Canada… so five of our players. You can watch them week in, week out here. Come and support, experience a great day of rugby, great environment, a great atmosphere.”

Tickets for this Sunday’s game against Leicester Tigers Women are just £12 for adults and £5.50 for U18s. Supporters can also get access to every women’s game this season (not including progression games) with a seasonal membership for just £84 for adults and £38.50 for U18s.