Appleby adds another three faces

By Mark Stevens
17/8/22

Susie Appleby has continued her squad strengthening for the Exeter Chiefs Women with the acqusition of three international names for the 2022/23 season.

Having already brought in Claudia MacDonald, Cliodhna Moloney, Silvia Turani, Charli Jacoby, Liv McGoverne and Halley Derera, Appleby can now add the names of Edel McMahon, Lori Cramer and Jodie Ounsley.

Irish international McMahon heads to the Westcountry from Allianz Premier 15s rivals Wasps. The all-action, back-row forward follows MacDonald and Moloney in joining the Chiefs and is highly-rated by Appleby.

Born in Limerick, she currently has 19 caps to her name having made her debut back in February 2018 in a Six Nations win over the Italy at Energia Park.

"I know her as 'Tricky' - which is what she calls herself," explained Appleby. "She is always a thorn in your side when you play against her, simply because she turns over ball for fun. She's a real workhorse, a pain to play against, but a wonderful player to have in your side.

"I think she will bring a lot to the squad in terms of energy and experience and we're really looking forward to having her on board."

Following McMahon to Sandy Park is Australian international Cramer, who has previously played back in her homeland for both the Queensland Reds and the Waratahs.

Appleby added: "I watched Lori play recently in the Pacific Four Series, where she played full-back and wing, and she looked class. She kicks goal, some of them from halfway, but she's just a really good player. Like all Aussies, she's got great footwork, but brave defensively and I think she will be a great fit for us."

Completing the trio of newcomers if Ounsley, another who has featured in the Premier 15s, and who joins the Chiefs from Sale Sharks.

The England Sevens international, who is also a British Jiu Jitsu champion and junior Team GB sprinter, was previously named Young Deaf Sports Personality and is a powerful strike runner on the wing.

Appleby continued: "Jodie is unbelievably powerful. She plays predominantly on the wing, has been on the 7s circuit for a while, but another player who is just full of energy. Speaking with her when she came to visit, she talked alot about how we play and how she likes hunting for the ball, a bit like Jack Nowell, and she can see how we can help add to her game.

"She said she had a great time at Sale, but she felt the time is right to pursue something different in her career. As a club, we're delighted to have her on board because I don't think club or country have yet to see the best of her yet and that's what we will look to bring out of her."