Women’s university rugby took a monumental step forward last Saturday with a first ever BUCS Women’s National League and Premiership Women’s Rugby double header at Sandy Park.
It was a double winning day for the home sides as Exeter University Women beat Edinburgh 32-19 before the Chiefs saw off Loughborough Lightening 43-7.
Over 1,000 fans braved the harsh south-western elements to see a fantastic occasion with some brilliant rugby on display.
Exeter University Women’s head coach Poppy Leitch told The Rugby Paper: “It was a fantastic day for not only women’s rugby but women’s rugby in the south-west.
“We haven’t had a university match at Sandy Park for seven years, and there was no Exeter Chiefs women‘s side at that time either. So to be back there and see the progress of women’s rugby in Exeter is a special moment. I can’t thank the staff at Sandy Park and Exeter University enough for their support.”
Leitch added: “I think we need to move away from traditional double headers with men’s sides where the women’s fixtures act as a curtain raiser. We need to hit the right demographic of fans – therefore, double headers with women’s games make more sense.
“Seeing so many regular Exeter Chiefs women’s fans and many families at the university game shows me it is the right path. I hope this becomes an annual thing.”
The day was a testament to the partnership built between the programmes at the university and the club. Instrumental to this is Leitch, who not only coached the university side from the sideline on Saturday but also captained the Chiefs immediately afterwards.
It is a challenge many would view as impossible but Leitch takes it in her stride.
“The switch is hard. Both jobs are hugely demanding. I personally en- joy the busy schedule and the constant rugby talk. Over time, the players have learned to respect the boundary between player and team-mate.
“The likes of Niamh Orchard, Katie Buchanan and Lizzie Hanlon have all shown the younger players coming through why that boundary is crucial for everyone involved. I don’t find it hard to switch from coach to player any more, but it’s definitely a constant learning curve.”
Working alongside Exeter Chiefs Women’s head coach Susie Appleby, Leitch has created a massively successful university programme with her side making it to the BUCS final at the StoneX last season.
With the win against Edinburgh last Saturday, they secured second place in the league and are looking forward to a home quarter-final against Cardiff in the knockout rounds.
The day also allowed fans to see the next crop of young and exciting talent that could soon be playing for the professional side.
Appleby said: “The university pathway is exceptional and is providing us with some fantastically talented young players.
“Players like Connie Clarke, Anna Richardson and Alessia Skeates have all got the potential to be regular Premiership players. The BUCS programme allows their transition to be organic and managed at the appropriate pace.
“These players can enjoy the full university experience, get a good degree from a prestigious university and have regular exposure to professional sports. We are very excited about the future of women’s rugby in Exeter.”
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