Jones up against familiar foes

By Harry Scott-Munro
19/2/22

Exeter Chiefs wing Liv Jones admitted that “it will be nice to see some old faces again” as she locks horns with previous club Loughborough Lightning in the Allianz Premier 15s today (5:15pm).

Having moved to Devon ahead of the current campaign, Jones was enthused by the challenge of performing against her old side, as she prepares to make her first league start in several months.

“It will be weird playing against my old team, but it’s exciting and it’s a challenge. I want to show everyone what I can do as I’ve not played for a while. This is a really good chance to get back on the pitch and prove myself,” she explained.

With an evening kick-off at Franklin’s Gardens lying in wait for her side, Jones was open about the threat that Loughborough possess, highlighting their ability to play from anywhere on the field.

“Loughborough will be a real threat this weekend. They’ve had some new faces come in as well and it will be the first time I’ve played against some of them, but it will be good,” she said. “We know that they love to play. They will come at us from lots of directions. They’ve got a kicking game as well, so we will need to keep that backfield covered, especially with the wind as well.”

Jones was also hopeful of a “big crowd” so that both sides can “show them what [they] can do.”

With the race for the top four set for an incredibly tight conclusion, Jones praised the level of competitiveness within the league, as the Allianz Premier 15s continues to grow and develop.

“Every week is a competition which you probably couldn’t have said a few seasons ago. Now though, you have to perform every week and you have to be at your best. You can’t ever roll into a game thinking you’ve already won it as that is certainly not the case.”

Reflecting on her decision to swap the Midlands for the South West, Jones was enthused when talking about her time in Exeter thus far.

“I love it!” she exclaimed. “I’m really enjoying being by the sea. That was a big draw for me. I’m loving the place, loving the training and the people I’m with. This is an exciting place to be going into the rest of the season. All of the girls are training really well and it’s exciting to have that competition for places.”