LolaWhitley

Exeter Chiefs Women signed versatile forward Lola Whitley from Gloucester-Hartpury.

Initially more of a fan of athletics, 100 metres and high jump in particular, Whitley began playing rugby at Sudbury RFC aged 13 when a friend dragged her along to a game. She started off on the wing and scored 10 tries in that first match.

Part of large girls’ programme at Sudbury, Whitley started to hear about the opportunities offered at Hartpury College where she could achieve her dream of concentrating on rugby. She went on to study business management at Hartpury University where she played in the BUCS programme, meeting Exeter Chiefs’ Niamh Orchard along the way, before making her Gloucester-Hartpury debut in October 2022.

Whitley, who has also played for England U20s, said: "Niamh told me about the environment at Exeter Chiefs and I felt like it was more me. I feel I need a change and a challenge as a player, and I am looking forward to getting stuck in.”

Whitley was selected to represent the England Students in August 2025.

Player number #109