Team news: Captain Poppy to become Chiefs Women’s first centurion

Captain Poppy Leitch will run out as Exeter Chiefs Women’s first ever centurion when she takes to the field against Gloucester-Hartpury in the PWR at Sandy Park tomorrow (KO 15:00).

Leitch was persuaded to come back to rugby after originally deciding to give up the sport after leaving Bristol Bears.

After just one match watching her partner Ebony Jefferies play for the brand-new Exeter Chiefs Women’s team from the sidelines, and some hefty persuasion from head coach Susie Appleby, Leitch signed up for the very next game. She has played in every match ever since and has fully immersed herself in rugby as the head coach of the University of Exeter’s women’s programme.

On being asked what 100 games means to her, Leitch said: “Every game is really important. You don’t know when your last game is going to be; that’s the reality of the sport we play.

“Of course, it’s (being a centurion) amazing but I suppose I just feel like I want to do what’s right for the club at whatever capacity that is. If people come through that are great players and need to play and develop in certain ways and that means some else gets to play over me, then that’s what right for the club.

“If I play 10 games or play 100 or more than that, as long as the club is getting what it needs and the players are getting what they need, then that’s what’s more fulfilling.”

Appleby said: “What a workhorse Poppy is! She’s been here just about as long as I have. Poppy is a friend for me, a friend I can confide in. She’s an amazing coach, a fantastic person and truly does bleed this black heart we talk about. She’s been unreal from the off and to go 100 games on the bounce is unbelievable. This game is pretty ferocious, she’s not the biggest and yet she takes it all in her stride; she leads from the front and everyone follows her.”

Leitch has been selected to start tomorrow’s game, with other positive team news seeing winger Claudia MacDonald back on the bench after nine months out with a neck injury.

Appleby continued: “Claudia is back after a long lay-off. She’s been training really well, champing at the bit and everyone is really excited to see her back.”

In the pack, Cliodhna Moloney gets her chance at hooker having missed last week with a small niggle, Linde van der Velden will start in the second row while Dorothy Wall has moved to No 8 for the first time this season.

Meanwhile, Edel McMahon and Mairi McDonald have headed off to play in the Celtic Challenge for the next few weeks.

Chiefs go into this round 11 game with an unbeaten run while Gloucester-Hartpury will be on a high after their victory against Saracens.

“It’s a huge game for us,” confirmed Appleby. “We’re halfway through the season and both teams are back to full strength. The girls are buzzing. They’re just fantastic; there’s excitement running through their veins all the time, I just have to contain them sometimes!”

Chiefs Women will kick-off at 15:00 at Sandy Park tomorrow with all supporters encouraged to don their Christmas outfits. This PWR game is included in all season ticket packages or its just £11 for adults while 16s and under are free for this festive fixture.

Appleby concluded: “We are hoping that loads of families come along. The boys are away so that helps our cause so if Chiefs fans and their friends want to come and watch that would be brilliant. We are hoping for a good Christmas vibe on Saturday.”