Opportunity knocks for Wilkins

By James Fowler
28/2/23

Exeter Chiefs Women’s fly-half Robyn Wilkins says she’s ‘absolutely loving it’ since arriving at the Allianz Premier 15s club following the conclusion of the Rugby World Cup in November.

The Welsh international has had to wait patiently to get her shot at wearing the No.10 jersey due to the magnificent form of Liv McGoverne, however Wilkins will finally make her first start for the Chiefs alongside McGoverne, who moves into the centre, when the side run out to face Wasps in London today.

Despite not having as much game time as she would ideally like, Wilkins spoke of how well she’s settled into life at the club since arriving from Worcester Warriors.

“I’ve been made really welcome by the girls,” she said. “There’s just some really good energy, meeting players from across the world you learn so much, so absolutely loving my time so far.”

The Chiefs are certainly riding a wave of momentum at the moment, with seven bonus point victories in a row since their loss to Gloucester-Hartpury in the opening round of the Premier 15s in November, and Wilkins is keen to make sure that momentum is continued through the next few games.

“Coming back from Christmas we knew we had a couple of really tough games with Sale, Saracens and Bristol back to back, and I think the fact we kept the momentum from before Christmas to now is massive, but we can’t slip off now with Wasps and DMP, we’ve got to carry that momentum through.”

Wilkins says that ‘physicality’ has been a key part of the culture of this Chiefs side, and she believes that physicality will again be vital in determining whether the Chiefs come out successful from their trip to the capital this weekend.

“We pride ourselves on physicality. I haven’t been here that long, but that is a message that comes across every week,” she added. “We need to carry that physicality through against Wasps as well, and we need to make sure we’re on it come Saturday.”

Wilkins also spoke of her excitement at receiving the nod to start for the Chiefs for the first time this weekend and she outlined her determination to take this opportunity with both hands.

“Liv (McGoverne) has been going really well in the 10 shirt, so opportunities have been coming here and there, but it’s been quite nice to get 20/30 minutes off the bench, which has probably made it a bit easier to settle in, but I definitely want to grab this opportunity with both hands.”