Sams seals her rugby future with a Chiefs contract

Hannah Sams has signed a contract with Exeter Chiefs Women amid interest from other Allianz PWR clubs.

The 18-year-old tighthead prop has signed a deal to keep her at Sandy Park while she studies at the University of Exeter.

Recently seen representing England U20s in the spring fixtures against the Army, France U20s and Wales U20s, Sams made her Chiefs debut this season in the Allianz Cup fixture against Warriors Women. She went on to score on her Sandy Park debut against Bristol Bears Women.

Since then, the current Exeter College student has played six cup games for the club and two Allianz PWR league games.

Born and bred in Devon, Sams began playing rugby at primary school before she joined her local rugby club, Ivybridge RFC. She went on to play for Kingsbridge RFC and won the U18s National Cup with her teammates. She earned representative honours for England U18s before being called up to the U20s squad.

Head coach Susie Appleby said: “Hannah is clearly an exciting young talent. When she joined us, Hannah was still just 17 and yet she has taken on the pressure of the front-row with real confidence. A prop is a precious commodity in the rugby world, especially one that is England qualified. I am excited to see Hannah develop as she gets more games under her belt in the coming season.”

Sams said: “Although I had interest from other clubs, I am a Devon girl at heart and I wanted to stay close to home, my family and my friends. This contract means I can combine studying at a top university, further my rugby career with my local professional club, and keep learning from the coaches and senior players here at Chiefs. Perfect!”