Rogers hoping for big start to 2023

By James Fowler
6/1/23

Exeter Chiefs Women’s prop Hope Rogers says that her side are ready to show their Allianz Premier 15s rivals that they’re ‘back to do business’ in 2023, following their run of strong performances in the lead up to Christmas.

Having come unstuck on the opening day to current leaders Gloucester-Hartpury, Susie Appleby’s side have since notched up four successive bonus point wins to sit second in the standings on 20 points.

On Sunday, they would be looking to add to that winning run when they make the trek to Sale Sharks (12pm). Rogers will be front and centre for the visitors at Heywood Road and is relishing this latest match-up.

“I think for us it’s just reintegrating the squad,” she said. “We have a lot of people coming in and out, so I think for us it’s just getting together and showing everyone who we are and taking our name from last season and showing that we’re back to do business this year as well.”

American international Rogers was keen to emphasise the closeness and camaraderie that has been built up within the squad, something which she feels has aided the cohesion that has been evident on the field during the early parts of the season.

“We get along really well; we do a lot of team bonding kind of things and it’s just great to be with each other and then show that cohesiveness out on the field as well.”

Although wary of the challenges Sale will bring, Rogers says that the focus has very much been on themselves and their performance in the build-up to this weekend’s tussle.

“It’s really just on us, we have a big focus on ourselves. Obviously, we look at them and the strengths that they bring, but also just building on what we have. Each week we know is another test and each week we have to be prepared for the test that lies ahead, so the big focus has just been on us and how we can be the best team we can be.”

With an embarrassment of riches available to the coaching staff in the forward pack, competition for places has been huge, however Rogers believes that with the depth the Chiefs have in so many positions they are ready to show that they’re ‘number one’.

“The competition has been immense, and all the girls are stepping up each week and everyone’s putting their hand up. It’s nice to know that we have the depth and no matter who’s on the field we’re putting on a good performance especially in the pack and our pack is ready to do the work and show we’re number one.”