Chiefs secure Wong for new season

By Mark Stevens
7/7/23

Susie Appleby’s squad strengthening for the new 2023/24 season continues as she added a second new face to her squad in the shape of Sammy Wong.

The New Zealand-born scrum-half follows another former Wasps star, Harriet Millar-Mills, in joining the Exeter Chiefs this summer.

Part and parcel of the Women’s Premiership since arriving in London ahead of the 2016/17 season, Wong is certainly an experienced name to add to the ranks at Sandy Park, having played not only for the Londoners, but also for Bristol Bears last season.

“I’m excited to be joining the Chiefs,” she said. “Susie has put together a real top-quality squad, many of whom I’ve either played with or against over the years. They’ve been a fantastic addition to the league and you’ve seen over the last couple of years especially, they are a side who are going to be up there challenging for trophies.

“Exeter itself is also a big rugby city and having played here and come here to watch games, I love how the crowd get behind the team. It’s a club that is definitely moving in the right direction, so when I was asked if I wanted to join, I literally jumped at the chance!”

With new teams in Ealing and Leicester Tigers joining the top-flight this season, Wong believes the new campaign will be one to savour, both for players and fans’ alike.

“It’s good to have a couple of new teams in there,” added Wong. “The league, though, is getting better each year and the standard is rising all the time. Exeter have been one of those sides hanging around the top for the last couple of years and I’ve no doubt we will be challenging again next season.

“For all of us playing in the league, it’s a great opportunity to not only play high-quality rugby, but increase the awareness of the sport to others and to build the fan-base. As I said, Exeter have done a great job in doing that so far, so let’s hope it continues again in the future.”

In welcoming Wong - who has also represented the Barbarians in the past - to Devon, head coach Appleby added: “We’re delighted to welcome Sammy to the club. She’s someone who has a decent amount of experience around the league and who is a quality player.

“I’ve no doubt she will add something to the squad next season and we’re delighted she is joining us.”