Baltruweit joins Chiefs Women

Former Wasps Women’s lock Nora Baltruweit has put pen to paper to bring her to Sandy Park to play for Exeter Chiefs.

The 26-year-old had previously played in her native Germany for RC Aachen and RSV Köln and then College Rifles RFC and Auckland Storm in New Zealand. She has also spent time coaching for the Lions Sports Academy.

After five seasons with Wasps and studying for her degree and master’s at St Mary’s University in Twickenham, Baltruweit became an associate lecturer in biomechanics while also working for a leading motion-capture company.

Last season, Baltruweit played for Les Lionnes Stade Bordelais in France, who went on to win the Élite 1 Feminine championship title.

Baltruweit said: “I have my fair share of elite rugby experience, the good part and the bad part. I wanted to come back to the English premiership but be at a place where I can prioritise my quality of life while challenging my rugby.

“I play my best rugby when I am happy and healthy. After speaking to Susie and Steve, I felt very reassured that Exeter is the place that ticks those boxes.”

Chiefs Women’s head coach Susie Appleby said: “It’s so good to have a player with Nora’s experience join us at Chiefs. She’s a powerful, smart player, and although she hasn’t played in the Premiership for a couple of seasons, I think she will quickly find her feet and add huge value to the squad. As importantly, she will love the lifestyle in Devon.”