Chiefs Women return to Cup action

Exeter Chiefs Women will face Harlequins, Gloucester-Hartpury and Trailfinders in this season’s PWR Cup – with international absences creating opportunities for the next generation to shine.

The tournament makes its return for 2025/26, providing crucial game-time during the Women’s Rugby World Cup. Chiefs will start their pool campaign away from home while Sandy Park is in use as a World Cup host venue.

They begin the competition against Harlequins at Cobham RFC on Saturday 23 August (3pm), followed by a trip to Gloucester-Hartpury on Sunday 7 September (1pm). Their first home fixture comes on Saturday 20 September (1pm)against Trailfinders.

No matches will take place over the World Cup final weekend, but the Cup resumes with semi-finals on 4/5 October, and the final and third-place play-off on 11/12 October. The final will be broadcast on PWR’s YouTube channel.

Chiefs interim head coach Steve Salvin welcomed the competition’s return, “After a very long time without any meaningful matches, we are looking forward to these cup games.

Our international players will be on Rugby World Cup duty, so that offers plenty of opportunity to integrate some of our new players and to give our younger players competitive game-time.

We expect to utilise many of our U23s squad, and I am excited to see what they can do against what will be some tough opposition.”

The PWR Cup involves all nine clubs in two seeded pools – one with four teams, one with five – based on final league standings. The top two in each group will progress to crossover semi-finals.

Menin signs new deal

Tighthead prop DaLeaka Menin has extended her stay at Sandy Park, signing a new contract following her appearances for Canada in the Pacific Four Series.

The 60-cap international will return to Exeter after the Rugby World Cup, where fans can catch her in action at Sandy Park when Canada face Scotland on Friday 6 September (12pm).

“I’m looking forward to another season with the Chiefs,” said Menin. “Being able to re-sign and have another opportunity to play quality rugby with good people, supported by our dedicated fans, is something that excites me.
It’s a blessing to return to play in such a beautiful place and immerse myself in this wonderful community.”

Menin, who joined Chiefs from Loughborough Lightning in 2021, has made 61 appearances and scored 10 tries to date.
Salvin added: “DaLeaka has been the cornerstone of our pack for the last three years. Her partnership with Emily Tuttosi and Hope Rogers has been the platform for so many of our best performances. However, DaLeaka in the loose is also a terrifying prospect – as we saw in PAC4.”

Pre-season plans

Exeter Chiefs will travel to Butts Park Arena on Saturday 20 September for a pre-season friendly against RFU Championship side Coventry. The 3pm fixture will see the club reunited with former Chief Sam Maunder, while Exeter centre Will Rigg once made over 20 appearances for the Midlands club.