Salvin relishing opportunity with Wales

Exeter Chiefs Women’s head coach Steve Salvin is into week three of the Guinness Women’s Six Nations with Wales and is relishing the opportunity he has been given.

Salvin was recruited by former Gloucester Hartpury head coach Sean Lynn ahead of the 2026 tournament. He was officially announced as interim forwards coach in March.

He said: “Lynny rang me up about a month before the Six Nations was due to start to see if I would be interested in covering the forwards role on an interim basis. As we had no games, it felt like a good opportunity to support a good guy, to get some professional development, and experience a full Six Nations while not impacting Chiefs.

“With the senior players away and no PWR games, it fitted in quite nicely. It’s also good for Oli (Bishop – assistant coach) to head things up for a few weeks from a development perspective.”

Wales have struggled to get off the mark but came close against Scotland in the opening round against Scotland in a game played at the Principality Stadium.

Last weekend, they lost to France at Cardiff Arms Park and now they face England at a sold-out Ashton Gate.

Salvin added: “There is a different level of resource at international level. There’s more coaching resource, more support resource. For instance, there’s a sports psychologist in every day and a couple of guys from a culture perspective. You do some different activities and spend time with people you can consistently learn from.

“Getting to know the players has been really nice. The players have really bought in to what we have been doing. I did not go in with the plan of changing a great deal, but they are keen to learn.”

Back in Exeter, team manager Keith Brooking and U23s lead Poppy Leitch have stepped in to support Bishop with coaching the women while Salvin is away.

Salvin’s time with Wales means he does not have to be in charge for a while.

“It’s a completely different role,” he said. “While I’m with Wales, I’m responsible for the set-piece. With Chiefs, I’m responsible for everything. Here, I’m able to concentrate on something more specific. I’m looking forward to coming back though.”

Chiefs Women will return to action against Bristol Bears Women on Saturday, 30 May, at Shaftesbury Park (KO 13:00) before heading home for the last game of the regular season against Sale Sharks Women on Sunday, 7 June – KO 15:30. Tickets are available here.