Wills taking life at Chiefs in her stride

New Chiefs winger Deborah Wills has been immersing herself in the rugby heartland of the South West, becoming the second club player to make the swap from Saracens.

Following in the wake of men’s player Harry Wilson, the Cornwall born speedster said: “For me, it’s almost like coming home. It’s an amazing club. When I first started playing in the Premiership there was no such thing as Exeter Chiefs for the women, so as soon as the club was created, I was so tempted but I just couldn’t get things to align.”

She added: “In Devon, rugby is almost like a different beast. In London, people like rugby, but here it’s in the blood.”

Wills’ journey back to the South West has taken her from Bristol Bears to Warriors Women and then Saracens all while juggling an impressive sevens career along the way to earn her the right to bear an Olympics rings tattoo and a bronze medal from the 2018 Commonwealth Games for England.

Chiefs Women’s pre-season training wasn’t much of a shock for the 35-year-old as she also balances life as a PT, gym manager, and looking after her four-year-old son.

“It’s really chaotic. I’ve made friends with 65-plus-hour weeks,” she joked. “I just take it in my stride. When you are doing things you enjoy, it’s easier.”

But Wills relishes the physical challenge. Three of her life roles means she is never too far from a gym and is keen to showcase what is possible as a mum and a female athlete.

“I do like the gym, but I have rehabbed a lot, so it has become a way of life. You know you have got to do it, but I also came from athletics where it’s individual, so you knew you had to work hard.”

Wills does not just back herself in the gym, she is confident of her ability on the pitch too.

“I think one of my biggest points of difference is how fast I am. I’ve always joked I would retire when I’m not fast but I’m still fast even though I’m slightly older now. I’m really fast; I’m really powerful.”

Off the pitch though, she is a different character, favouring a more peaceful life and listing her wholesome hobbies as reading, listening to music, National Trust walks and spending time with her family and her dog.

“I’m a loud individual on the pitch but off the pitch I’m quite quiet.”

Wills is no stranger to Sandy Park’s pitch having played here just 17 weeks after giving birth to her son. She wants to inspire other Cornish girls and to showcase the opportunities available in women’s sport. In short, Wills is keen to get going!

“I want to be playing, I want to be scoring, I want to be bringing my best self to the team, and I want us to win the Prem…and the cup.”