Priest relishing her PWR Cup run

Hooker Kayleigh Priest will make her fourth appearance for Exeter Chiefs Women when she runs out at the StoneX Stadium in north London this weekend.

Having run out in the PWR Up competition before the start of the 2024/25 season, Priest is now about to make it four on the bounce with a place in the starting line-up in the semi-final against Saracens.

Having played most of her rugby for Exeter Athletic last season, the 20-year-old is relishing getting some minutes under her belt and improving with each game, with the cherry on the cake being a try against Trailfinders last time out.

Priest said: “It's been really good to get back involved with Chiefs. It’s good to be here; a dream team to play for.”

“I think I have improved or got more confident with each game. As a whole team we have as well, but individually, I can just back myself a little bit more. It’s given me a good place to grow.

“I think for my confidence, getting on there, getting started and just giving it everything I’ve got is the better place for me.”

Priest arrived at Sandy Park after gradually tracking north from Liskeard & Looe RFC and Launceston RFC in Cornwall, before moving to Ivybridge, Exeter Saracens and Kingsbridge. She was part of the U18s National Cup winning team for Kingsbridge and captained Exeter College’s U18s team. Along with her team-mate and prop Hannah Sams, she is definitely a locally produced talent.

Priest added: “We've played rugby for eight years together now and it's just really good to stay close to each other to help back ourselves.”

Sams will accompany Priest for the journey to the StoneX on Sunday (KO 14:00). For many, Saracens’ home ground is a place to be feared, but Priest is looking forward to it!

“I'm really excited for the physicality. I really like a good, physical game. I'm excited to go up and play at Stone X. It should be really good.”