Appleby signs Scottish star Rollie

By Mark Stevens
2/9/21

With the start of the new Allianz Premier 15s season just days away, Exeter Chiefs Women’s head coach Susie Appleby has spoken of her delight after landing a prized new asset to her squad.

Highly-rated Scottish international Chloe Rollie is heading to Sandy Park from rivals Harlequins Women, where she has spent the past two seasons, including helping the Londoners to title success over Saracens Women last term.

The signing of the 26-year-old full-back is a major coup for Appleby, whose side kick-off their season this Saturday with a Westcountry derby away to Bristol Bears Women.

Edinburgh-born Rollie, who has won 40 Test caps for her country, started playing rugby aged eight at Jedburgh, where her brother and father both played.

A product of Parkside Primary and Jedburgh Grammar School, she moved to Murrayfield Wanderers from Borders club, Melrose – and then spent two years at Lille Metropole Rugby Club in France, before moving to Harlequins at the start of the 2019/20 season.

Now, though, she is ready to continue her rugby career in the colours of the Chiefs – and Appleby can’t wait for her new star to make her mark.

“Obviously, we’re delighted to welcome Chloe to the Chiefs,” said Appleby. “She is an exceptionally good and experience player – and someone who we know will really add to our mix here at the club.

“Not only is she a gifted ball player, but she’s quick and she comes with experience of playing, not just in the Premier 15s, but at international level as well.

“We believe she will really add to the squad, not just in terms of what she offers in attack, but also in defence and with her leadership qualities.”

Rollie is Appleby’s fifth new signing of the summer, joining Clara Nielson from Bristol Bears, Liv Jones (Loughborough Lightning), Brooke Bradley (Worcester Warriors) and Kanako Kobayashi (Japan Sports University).