Long signs up for game-time with Exeter Chiefs Women

Prop Flo Long is the latest in the line of players Exeter Chiefs Women have found a squad place for following the demise of Warriors Women at the start of last season.

Like so many others, Long found herself out of a job and out of professional rugby when the Midlands club folded at the start of last season.

Now, the 23-year-old Bristol-born player has signed a contract to bring her to Sandy Park where she will play alongside former team-mates Taz Bricknell and Demi Swann from Warriors, plus Merryn Doidge, Ebony Jefferies, Poppy Leitch and Clara Nielson from their time with the Bears, and Maisy Allen from England U20s.

Long said: “I am really looking forward to being part of such an elite environment. I can’t wait to start pushing my limits and getting the best out of myself and the rest of the team.

“It’s really exciting to be getting back into things with some of the girls I grew up playing with and I can’t wait to be backing them throughout this upcoming season.”

Long started playing for Bristol Bears in the 2018/19 season when she was 17. She spent two seasons there before moving to Warriors.

With England U20s and U18s experience under her belt, plus a call-up to the 2021 Women’s Six Nations and autumn internationals squad, Long is an experienced England qualified player in a position that can often struggle to attract younger players.

Head coach Susie Appleby said: “An English prop is a precious commodity, so we are glad to add Flo is our group of forwards. We are fortunate to have several experienced front-row players in our squad and some impressive teenage talent, but we needed some players in the middle of these two groups who are still developing but also have match experience. Flo perfectly fits this requirement, and we are so glad she has decided to join us.”