Six Chiefs Women involved in last pre-Rugby World Cup games

A total of six Exeter Chiefs Women will be involved in this weekend’s last round of warm-up games ahead of the start of the Rugby World Cup.

Three Canadians – DaLeaka Menin, Alex Tessier and Emily Tuttosi – will start against Ireland when they play each other at the Affidea Stadium in Belfast on Saturday (KO 12:00).

Tuttosi said: “I am very excited for this Irish match before the World Cup. I am hoping we can showcase some of the dynamic Canadian rugby we are capable of against a strong Irish side. One last one, before we take a breath and embark on what is set to be a historic, record-breaking spectacle of a World Cup."

Head coach Kevin Rouet said: “The World Cup is right around the corner so this last warm up game is going to very important for the team. We have been building for the last three years, so I know we are ready for the World Cup but this game against Ireland is one last opportunity to focus on the details of our game and system to make sure we are as prepared as possible for the World Cup.

“Ireland will be a tough opponent, they showed that to us last year at WXV, so we have to be ready for the challenge on Saturday. They are a top-five team in the world.”

Chiefs hooker Cliodhna Moloney-MacDonald will start for Ireland on the bench. Meanwhile, Edel McMahon is back in training following surgery in spring.

Francesca Granzotto will start at full-back for Italy for this game against Japan being held at Calvisano on Saturday (KO 18:30).

Lastly, back-row Maddie Feaunati is on the bench for the Red Roses game against France, also being played on Saturday at the Stade André et Guy Boniface in Mont-de-Marsan (KO 20:10). This game will be shown on BBC iPlayer and England Rugby’s YouTube channel. Winger Claudia Moloney-MacDonald is continuing to rehab a hamstring injury.