Skeates called up to Italy U21s training squad

Exeter Chiefs Women’s Alessia Skeates has been called up to Italy’s U21s squad as they begin training for the Six Nations this week.

The 21-year-old prop, whose mother is Italian, heads off to Parma after making her PWR debut at the weekend after missing our a couple of times from the bench.

Skeates said: “It’s definitely been a busy week after making my PWR debut and then getting prepped to head off to U21s camp. I am grateful for all the experiences I can get and really excited to see my family back in Italy but to also be in a new environment to see how far I can push myself with a new group of people.”

Born in Durham, she developed her game with the University of Exeter’s women’s first XV, where she was persuaded to become a prop by coach Poppy Leitch.

Skeates flourished in that position, happy to play at loose or tight head and scored 30 tries across her three years with the team, leading to a contract with Exeter Chiefs Women ahead of the 2025/26 season and a place in the England Students team.

Since her debut against Harlequins in the PWR Cup, she has made a total of six appearances for Chiefs and scored two tries.

Chiefs Women’s head coach Steve Salvin said: “Alessia has dreamed of pulling on the blue jersey of the Azzurre and I know her mother will be especially proud of her. I hope Alessia gets to realise her dream as we all know she has so much potential. Her ability at scrum-time and in the loose are no doubt why she has caught the Italy selectors’ attention. We wish her the best of luck.”