Willett looking to build on first start

By Harry Scott-Munro
13/11/21

Exeter Chiefs Women’s second-row Charlie Willett admitted that “it means so much” to her to finally make her competitive debut for the club, as she impressed against Sale Sharks in the opening round of the Allianz Cup.

Having come back from a back injury suffered at previous club Wasps, Willett was understandably delighted to have been able to show what she can do in a Chiefs shirt.

“It was incredible to make my debut. It means so much after such a hard pre-season and working with all the girls. It was great to finally get that start and even better to do it with a win,” she beamed.

Last weekend against Sale Sharks, Susie Appleby’s side produced a consummate wet weather display to dispatch their rivals 19-0. Willett was understandably delighted with the result, but explained that the side were still looking to “sharpen up some areas” heading into Sunday’s clash with Worcester Warriors.

“It was wet weather rugby, so it wasn’t the prettiest, but we put on an absolute performance up front and we’re really excited to take that momentum into this week,” the second-row explained. “We left a lot of points out on the field by not executing at times.”

Willett is expecting a tough assignment against the Warriors though on Sunday. Last week’s result was built upon the strength of the set-piece, with the forward hoping that that trend will continue this weekend, with the dryer weather giving the backs an opportunity with ball in hand.

“It will be about keeping that set-piece dominance against Worcester and hopefully, with a dryer day, we can release our backs. I’m just really enjoying the focus on the set-piece and loving getting involved with the line-out.”

Including Willett, there were seven Chiefs debutants in the side last weekend. Willett was quick to praise the performance of the side, explaining that the Allianz Cup was a great way “for everyone to get opportunities.”

“After a hard pre-season and working with all the girls, it was great to finally get that start and even better to do it with a win,” she added. “I’m really excited to see some of the new talent coming on. It will be good to see some of the girls that were on the bench last week get some more minutes and absolutely smash it.”

Having made the move to Devon from London over the summer, Willett admitted that she had been “incredibly lucky” to be able to work remotely, allowing her to balance training with work. Whilst acknowledging that finding the right balance was a process, she also took the time to highlight her joy at being part of Susie Appleby’s side.

“It’s a juggle and a half but it’s working! The facilities we have here at Chiefs are just incredible and I’m loving being a part of the programme.”