From foe to full-back: Chiefs sign Canadian wildcard

Exeter Chiefs Women have announced the signing of Maddy Grant from Harlequins ahead of the 2025/26 Premiership Women’s Rugby season.

The 24-year-old Canadian international made a strong impression at Sandy Park last season, scoring a try against the Chiefs in Harlequins colours. 

Grant joined Quins in December as injury cover for her international teammate Sara Svoboda, switching from the backs to flanker during her stint in the capital. Though she’s featured in the back row, Chiefs interim head coach Steve Salvinexpects to deploy her in the backline.

“We see Maddie fitting into our backs line-up, most likely at full-back,” said Salvin. “But it is a bonus that she can slip into the back-row too.

This is an international player with bags of experience who is looking to further her career in the PWR. We already know how talented those Canadians are, so she will be a welcome addition for the 2025/26 season.”

Grant has 23 caps for Canada and featured in both the semi-final and third-place play-off of the delayed 2021 Rugby World Cup in New Zealand, facing England and France respectively. After recovering from an ankle injury, she is pushing for selection in Canada’s squad for the upcoming Women’s Rugby World Cup.

Born in Cornwall, Ontario, Grant first took up rugby in high school during a break from basketball.

“That one and only year, my school happened to have a rugby team, so I went out not knowing a single thing about the sport,” she told the Chiefs' website. “It’s crazy how one decision has put me on such a great trajectory of life!”

Looking ahead to the season, she added, “Now ⁠I’m joining Chiefs and I am looking forward to the expansive and free style of play that will allow me to develop as a player in multiple respects.

My hope for this season is to help contribute to a successful 25/26 year. There’s so much depth and talent in this squad, I’m very excited to be a part of it.”

Grant becomes the latest addition to an increasingly international Chiefs squad, as Exeter continue to strengthen their ranks ahead of the new season.