Allen and Menin seal move to the Chiefs

By Mark Stevens
2/9/21

In what is proving a busy day for Susie Appleby, the Exeter Chiefs Women’s head coach has now added two more new signings to her squad ahead of this weekend’s Allianz Premier 15s opener against Bristol Bears Women.

Fresh from confirming the arrival of Scottish international Chloe Rollie earlier today from reigning champions Harlequins, Appleby has now bolstered her pack of forwards with Canadian international DaLeaka Menin from Loughbough Lightning and England Under-20s starlet, Maisy Allen from Gloucester-Hartpury.

Both Menin, 26, and Allen come highly recommended to Appleby, who says the arrival of the duo further underlines the ambition of the Chiefs to build on their hugely impressive sixth-placed finish in their debut season.

“DaLeaka is someone who I have wanted to sign for some time,” said Appleby. “She’s a powerful forward who is hugely impressive, both in the set-piece stuff, but also around the field with her carrying capabilities.

“She obviously has experience of the league having played with Loughborough and she knows a good number of our squad, especially the Canadian contingent. I’ve no doubt she will really add something to the team, both on and off the field, particularly with her communication and leadership skills.

“Meanwhile, Maisy is a very good player and someone with huge potential within the game. Again, she’s a quality player around the pitch, she gets stuck in and having seen her in games and in training, her skills are very strong.

“Like with any team, the back-row is a hugely competitive area, but I know she has the qualities to really challenge those around her and bring the best out in not only herself, but those other players vying for a position in the team.

“She’s also played for England Under-20s in the past, so she has a really exciting future ahead of her.”

The arrival of the duo take Appleby’s summer squad strengthening to that of seven newcomers, the others being Rollie (Harlequins), Clara Nielson (Bristol Bears), Liv Jones (Loughborough Lightning), Brooke Bradley (Worcester Warriors) and Kanako Kobayashi (Japan Sports University).