Hanlon to bid farewell to Chiefs at the end of the season

Exeter Chiefs Women’s prop Lizzie Hanlon will be joining another club at the end of this season.

The Epsom-born forward will leave Sandy Park after three seasons, in which she made 37 appearances with her performances earning her a Red Roses’ debut against Ireland in this year’s Six Nations.

Spotted while playing for the University of Exeter, Hanlon was originally brought into the Chiefs Women’s squad in 2021 to train with the first team. However, she impressed coaches and teammates, and made her debut that same year, going to help Chiefs Women win two Allianz Cups.

Head coach Susie Appleby said: “We are sad to see Lizzie go but we have loved having as part of our squad and watching her develop into the player she has become. She is a shining example of the success of our pathway. Despite only forming as a club four seasons ago, we have produced four players for England and Lizzie is the most recent. We wish her well for the future.”

The front rower has come a long way from the 15-year-old former diver who started her rugby journey at Sutton & Epsom RFC. As a young, English prop, Hanlon will be a welcome asset to any club.

The club would like to thank Lizzie for everything she has given to Chiefs Women, and everyone wishes her all the best for the future.