Millar-Mills signs for the Chiefs

By Mark Stevens
7/7/23

Harriet Millar-Mills says she cannot wait to get thrust back into the Women’s Premiership after she was confirmed as the first new arrival of the summer at Exeter Chiefs.

The arrival of the 32-year-old England international is seen as a major boost for Susie Appleby’s squad, who will be looking to build on what was another successful campaign, which included retaining the Allianz Cup and coming runners-up to Gloucester-Hartpury in the final of the Allianz Premier 15s.

Having sat out last season to live in America, the former Wasps and Lichfield forward says she is ready to play a role for the Chiefs as they look to attack on two fronts again next term.

“I’m really excited to get back playing,” said Millar-Mills, who has won 66 Test caps. “I’ve watched for the last few years how Susie has assembled this great team down at Exeter and now I have the opportunity to be part of it. They are a club who are doing some amazing things with some fantastic players and that really appealed to me.

“Obviously, I know a few of the girls from the old Wasps days and I’ve played down at Sandy Park in the past and the atmosphere is always amazing. You can see the game in this country is growing year on year and Exeter are one of the clubs helping to lead the way.”

One person delighted to see Millar-Mills sign on the dotted line is Appleby herself, who added: “I’ve know Harriet for years and she’s a quality rugby player. She’s not only a powerful ball-carrier, but a real workhorse on the field and a great person as well

“I’ve no doubt she’s going to bring a lot to the squad. Not only does she have experience of playing at the very highest level, but her game understanding and her skill-set making her a great addition and I can’t wait to see her pull on a Chiefs jersey.”

Born in Stockport, Millar-Mills initially took up rugby at the age of eight, following her brother along to Manchester Rugby Club. Over the years she then featured for clubs Leeds and Chester, before she moved into the Premier 15s at 18 with Lichfield, then Wasps.

Among her playing accolades, she was previously named the Premiership’s Players’ Player of the Year in 2015/16 and 2016/17.