Appleby Strengthens Squad with USA Eagles Scrum Half
Chiefs Women's head coach Susie Appleby has continued to evolve her squad for the upcoming 23/24 campaign, with the addition of Olivia Ortiz.
Ortiz, who has 16 caps for the USA Eagles national side, will link up with her Exeter teammates at the start of September and is the second scrum-half to be recruited this off-season, following the arrival of Sammy Wong from Wasps earlier in the summer.
Having previously experienced the PWR with DMP Sharks, Ortiz was quick to praise the atmosphere that has been created at the Chiefs as one of the things that attracted her to the Southwest.
“The competitive nature and full-time environment that Exeter can provide is something that I am excited to be a part of.
I was sold on Exeter the moment Susie got in touch with me to say she was interested in signing me and being able to fully indulge myself in being the best performance athlete that I can be is exciting, and I know that can happen at the Chiefs.”
Ortiz will be the latest in a line of Eagles who have made their mark down in Devon, joining fellow internationals Gabby Cantorna, Rachel Johnson & Hope Rogers in the current squad.
“Definitely hearing all my teammates talk about how much they love Exeter, the staff and their teammates, that is something that I am really looking forward to being a part of.
They have mentioned how incredibly competitive it is and what a great group they have, and I can’t wait to be involved.”
With the addition of Leicester Tigers and Trailfinders Women to the PWR, coupled with some strong recruitment from all clubs across the league, this promises to be the most evenly matched season to date, something not lost on our latest signing.
“There is a reason why you have so many International players travelling overseas to take part in the PWR, it’s probably the most competitive league in the world and everyone knows that is the place to be if they want to become the best rugby athlete that they can be.”
Following the departure of Flo Robinson to rivals Harlequins in the summer, Head Coach Susie Appleby has wasted little time in strengthening her options at scrum-half.
“Olivia brings a lot of the key attributes that we’re looking for at nine, she is quick around the breakdown, has leadership quality and a vocal presence that will help us to play at tempo.
We are always looking to ensure we have competition in all positions and with Brooke (Bradley) & Mairi (McDonald) already a part of the squad, the arrival of Sammy (Wong) and Olivia will make sure that they are all pushing each other. We’re excited to see this group come together and Olivia will only help to improve standards both on and off the pitch.”
With just over a month until the season kicks off, excitement is building within Sandy Park and we hope to see you all joining us.
