AlessiaSkeates
Prop
Exeter Chiefs Women signed Alessia Skeates from the University of Exeter in the spring of 2025. In doing so, the prop swapped playing BUCS rugby and studying for a degree in international relations and Spanish for life as a professional rugby player.
Having begun playing in year seven at school, a coach at Houghton-le-Springs RFC spotted Skeates at a tournament and encouraged her to join the club.
A mobile forward, Skeates initially played in the back row, earning county honours and a place at the North-East & Cumbria Centre of Excellence.
Qualified to play for both England and Italy, Skeates was persuaded to become a prop by University of Exeter coach Poppy Leitch. She helped the university side to the BUCS final as a fresher followed by two consecutive semis. Skeates scored two tries in the last semi-final against Loughborough University to amass 30 tries across her three years with the team.
Skeates, who can play at loose or tighthead, said: “Playing rugby at university really grew my love for the sport and has made me the person I am today. Being around the Chiefs set-up last year helped me realise rugby is what I want for my future, and this is the perfect opportunity to push myself.”
Skeates was selected to represent the England Students in August 2025 and made her debut for Exeter Chiefs against Harlequins in the PWR Cup in the following September. She scored her debut try for the club against Gloucester-Hartpury in the her second game of the Cup.
Player number #108
