Chiefs shine on Six Nations stage

Exeter Chiefs Women have secured rising centre Naomi Brennan, who has signed a new contract ahead of the 2025/26 season.

Currently completing a degree in sports and medical sciences at the University of Exeter, Brennan will transition into full-time rugby once her studies conclude this summer.

As first XV captain of the university’s women’s team, she has helped guide them to second in the BUCS Super Rugby league, with a semi-final showdown against Loughborough University to come.

“I’m really looking forward to the season ahead,” Brennan said. “I love the people and the place and I’ve been fortunate to have gained some invaluable experience so far with Chiefs. The university pathway has been so rewarding for me, shaping me as a player and person—though I'm excited to step up for the next challenge, being here full-time.”

Brennan, who hails from Cumbria, made her rugby start in the mixed U8s at Egremont RUFC, later playing for Millom RFC and Hartpury College. She has represented England U18s, earning caps against Scotland, Ireland and France, and made her Chiefs debut in October 2023 against Leicester Tigers in the Allianz Cup. She has since made six PWR appearances.

Chiefs assistant coach Steve Salvin praised her development: “Naomi is a great example of a player who has developed under the University programme while being involved with us at Chiefs. She works hard at training and does not take a backward step at game time. She is also a proven natural leader, and we look forward to seeing her flourish in a full-time rugby environment.”

The announcement comes in a busy week for Chiefs Women, with several players shining in the international spotlight during the Women’s Six Nations break.

For England, scrum-half Flo Robinson made a long-awaited Red Roses debut against Italy, while Claudia MacDonald marked her return from injury with a try against the same opposition. No.8 Maddie Feaunati has also grabbed headlines with back-to-back starts, a Player of the Match performance and two tries in England’s thumping 67-12 win over Wales.

Ireland have also benefitted from Chiefs’ talent. Captain Edel McMahon, hooker Cliodhna Moloney and recently re-signed lock Dorothy Wall all featured in their opening two fixtures. Wall scored in their 54-12 victory over Italy, and McMahon reflected positively on the campaign so far: “We were still going after more points on the board… believing we could turn around from the frustration of France. That’s what I am most proud of.”

Ireland and England will meet in Round 3 of the Women’s Six Nations on Saturday 12 April at Virgin Media Park in Cork.