Ryall representing the quieter players on her return to Chiefs

Exeter Chiefs women’s newest scrum-half Tilly Ryall has returned to the club determined to make some noise this season.

On the club’s books as a younger player, Ryall did not get to make her Chiefs debut first time around but that all changed against Leicester Tigers Women in the second round of the JAECOO Next Gen Cup.

She came on from the bench and promptly scored a try to seal a successful debut.

Ryall said: “The whole day was perfect. [The try] was an added bonus to the day. I think it was a great break, the space was there and I took it. Previously, I might have been less confident to take that, but the girls made me feel confident and I took that space and it kind of paid off.”

A product of a very successful girls’ team from Kingsbridge RFC, Ryall then headed to Hartpury College and then Hartpury University to study for a BSc degree in strength and conditioning. She had a pre-season with Gloucester Hartpury but spent the first year at university playing BUCS rugby before signing a contract with Bristol Bears and then moving home to the beaches and moors of Devon in the summer.

“I think I always knew eventually I would come home. I had that time away and once I finished uni, it felt like the right time to come back.”

She added: “It kind of always felt like when we played at Sandy Park against Exeter that that was kind of my home ground because that was where all my family were and where all my friends were. That’s where I’d got the most support. So, it’s been really nice to have it all come together and to be playing for Chiefs.”

A qualified PT who is working for the Exeter College Rugby Academy’s S&C department, Ryall added to her debut appearance with another run-out against Sale Sharks Women last weekend. Already with more appearances under her belt following her last stint with Chiefs, she is determined to push on but also has another goal to tackle to head on.

“I would like to continue my personal development on the pitch and also come out of my shell a little bit. Be a little more confident, be outside my comfort zone and definitely try and inspire some of the quieter girls who are coming up through the pathway to show them you can be slightly quieter but still be in this environment and see rugby as an option for you.”