Red Roses transition contract players sign up for more Chiefs time

Exeter Chiefs Women’s trio of Red Roses transition contract players have all put pen to paper to extend their time with the club. Maisy Allen, Katie Buchanan and Nancy McGillivray will head into the 2024/25 season as Chiefs players.

Head coach Susie Appleby said: “It is our aim to produce more England players and these players are proof of what we can achieve through our university programme, which forms such an important part of our women’s rugby development pathway.”

Having joined Chiefs from Hartpury College. Allen has combined her studies at the University of Exeter with a career as a rugby player, which saw her capped for England at Sandy Park last summer before heading off to the WXV1 tournament in New Zealand. The 21-year-old has continued to flourish under the tutelage of Chiefs’ coaches and senior players.

Allen said: “Exeter feels like my home now. I’ve loved being here for the last three seasons and I’m looking forward to my future with the club. I’ve just finished university, so I am looking forward to being able to fully commit to rugby and keep building on what we have already achieved.”

Appleby commented: “Maisy has been a pivotal part of our squad for the last few seasons. We are so proud of how she has developed into an international player in that time and was unlucky to miss out on the Six Nations earlier this year. However, she is such a young player, so I am sure there will be more caps to come.”

Exeter Chiefs Women’s Young Player of the Year and the Supporters’ Club Player of the Year Buchanan has been with the club for two seasons, earning herself a regular starting first XV spot within that time. The 20-year-old has played 35 times for Chiefs, scoring 14 tries in the process.

Buchanan said: “Sandy Park and the Chiefs family have really become a home for me. I have learned and grown so much in my time here already and can’t wait to see what the future holds for me in Devon. I am super excited to get the ball rolling next season and see what new levels the team can reach!”

“In her first year at the University, Katie played in the BUCS league, she the split her time between Chiefs and BUCS in her second year, and she has played full-time for us this season,” said Appleby. “She is a perfect example of how we are developing players through the University and at Sandy Park. She is a key part of our squad and we are delighted she has chosen to stay with us.”

Lastly, Chiefs Women will welcome back Nancy McGillivray following a year out with a serious knee injury. The 21-year-old had her blossoming career brought to her halt when she injured her knee in the last league game of the 2022/23 season.

McGillivray has spent all this season rehabilitating her injury and finishing her exercise & sports science degree at the University of Exeter but will be fit to play for the next campaign.

She said: “I am really excited to extend my contract with Chiefs. It’s been a long year out with injury, but Chiefs have been great at supporting me throughout. So, I’m really excited to finally get back in the pitch with the girls next season.”

Appleby concluded: “We are really looking forward to having Nancy back on the pitch with us next season. She was really hitting her straps when injury hit last season. Nancy has worked so hard and I’m sure she will be stronger, fitter, faster in no time.”