Versatile Grant joins Chiefs Women

Exeter Chiefs Women have signed Maddy Grant from Harlequins.

Supporters may remember the back-row from her try against Chiefs at Sandy Park last season, but now she is making Exeter her new home.

Grant joined Harlequins in December last year as injury cover for her international teammate Sara Svoboda when she also made the switch from her more accustomed position among the backs to flanker.

The 24-year-old represented Canada in the delayed 2021 Rugby World Cup in New Zealand and featured in both their semi-final and third place play-off against England and France respectively. She has earned 23 caps in her international career and is aiming for a call-up to the Canada team ahead of the Women’s Rugby World Cup after rehabilitating a ankle injury.

Exeter Chiefs Women’s interim head coach Steve Salvin said: “We see Maddie fitting into our backs line-up, most likely at full-back, but it is a bonus that she can slip into the back-row too.

“This is an international player with bags of experience who is looking to further her career in the PWR. We already know how talented those Canadians are, so she will be a welcome addition for the 2025/26 season.”

Born in Cornwall, Ontario, Grant began playing rugby in high school when she took a break from basketball.

Grant said: “That one and only year, my school happened to have a rugby team, so I went out not knowing a single thing about the sport. It’s crazy how one decision has put me on such a great trajectory of life!”

She added: “Now ⁠I’m joining Chiefs and I am looking forward to the expansive and free style of play that will allow me to develop as a player in multiple respects. My hope for this season is to help contribute to a successful 25/26 year. There’s so much depth and talent in this squad, I’m very excited to be a part of it.”