Brennan graduates to a full-time Exeter Chiefs Women’s contract

Centre Naomi Brennan has signed a new contract to retain her services with Exeter Chiefs Women.

Having nearly completed her degree in sports and medical sciences at the University of Exeter, she will be able to concentrate on life as a full-time rugby player from the start of the 2025/26 season.

The current first XV captain of the University’s women’s team, she helped them to second place in the BUCS Super Rugby league and a semi-final spot against Loughborough University tomorrow.

Brennan said: “I'm really looking forward to the season ahead, I love the people and the place and I've been fortunate to have gained some invaluable experience so far with Chiefs. The university pathway has been so rewarding for me, shaping me as a player and person - though I'm excited to step up for the next challenge, being here full-time."

Born in Cumbria, Brennan grew up in a rugby family. She started playing in an U8s mixed team at Egremont RUFC before moving to a girls’ side. She played for Millom RFC for two years before embarking on another two years at Hartpury College.

Brennan also has three England U18s caps from a standalone fixture against Scotland, and then two games against Ireland and France in the U18s Six Nations.

She made her Chiefs debut against Leicester Tigers Women in the Allianz Cup in October 2023 and has gone on to make six PWR appearances since then.

Assistant coach Steve Salvin said: “Naomi is a great example of a player who has developed under the University programme while being involved with us at Chiefs. She works hard at training and does not take a backward step at game time. She is also a proven natural leader, and we look forward to seeing her flourish in a full-time rugby environment.”

The University of Exeter Women’s team play Loughborough University Women in a home Women’s BUCS Super Rugby semi-final on The James A Hollensteiner Pitch at 14:00 tomorrow.