Chiefs Women land Italian international

Exeter Chiefs Women have confirmed the signing of Italian international Francesca Granzotto, who will link up with the squad after this year’s Women’s Rugby World Cup.

The 23-year-old brings plenty of international pedigree to Sandy Park, having already earned 19 caps for Italy since her debut in 2022.

A mainstay in the national side, she featured in the delayed 2021 Rugby World Cup, as well as three Women’s Six Nations tournaments and two WXV competitions.

Granzotto, who can play at wing, full-back or scrum-half, started her rugby journey in primary school. After falling in love with the game, she persuaded her father to take her to the local club in Conegliano. At 13, she joined Villorba Rugby Club to play in a girls’ team and hasn’t looked back since.

Her passion for rugby has taken her across Europe. While studying at Worthing College, she represented both the college side and Hove RFC. She’s currently based in Rome, playing for Unione Rugby Capitolina while continuing to develop her international career.

Chiefs interim head coach Steve Salvin said, “Francesca is a great person and a player who is looking to develop her skills even further in the PWR. Her versatility in the backs will give us options on a match-day. She is a very welcome addition to the squad.”

Speaking about her move to Devon, Granzotto added, “I want an experience in the Premiership that will allow me to grow and improve both as a player and as a person, and I feel like Exeter is the right place to do so. I want to learn as much as I can from the coaches and my teammates and make the most of this opportunity.”

Granzotto is the latest addition to Exeter’s growing roster as the club continues to strengthen ahead of the 2024/25 PWR season.