Professional contracts are key - Johnson

By Finn Morton
8/11/22

United States flanker Rachel Johnson said she would “love to see” professional contracts given to Eagles players by the next Women’s Rugby World Cup.

The Eagles were the first women’s team to taste World Cup glory back in 1991, after they beat England 19-6 in the Final at Cardiff Arms Park. But women’s rugby has reached new levels during this World Cup in New Zealand, but not many nations are fielding professional teams.

Johnson, who was one of seven Exeter Chiefs players in Rob Cain's squad for the tournament, believes the Eagles have to become professional if they are to compete with the best teams in the world.

“What’s really exciting about women’s rugby right now is the growth that you’ve seen internationally,” said Johnson. “There used to be a few top teams and now as programs are really investing in their teams, we’ve seen a lot of growth, and not just growth but unique styles of play.

“The World Cup has been awesome to be able to be exposed to that type of play. You’ve seen the impact and the different it makes to have contracted players so if we want to continue to grow and try to be the best in the world, we have to do what other countries are doing.”

The United States began their World Cup campaign with a tough 12-point loss to Italy in Whangarei, before bouncing back with a promising win over Japan.

After losing their third and final pool game against Canada in Auckland, the Eagles were undone again by their North American rivals in the last eight of the competition.

Johnson, together with fellow Chiefs Gabby Cantorna, Jennine Detiveaux, Megan Foster, Charli Jacoby, Hope Rogers and Kate Zackary, are all expected to return to Devon in the coming weeks ahead of the start of the Allianz Premier 15s.

The Chiefs - who finished runners-up to Saracens last season - kick-off the new campaign with a home encounter against Gloucester-Hartpury on Saturday, November 19 (3pm).