Scottish pair stay true to Chiefs Women

Mairi McDonald and Eilidh Sinclair have signed new deals to extend their rugby careers with Exeter Chiefs Women.

McDonald arrived at Sandy Park in 2022 via Hillhead Jordanhill RFC to cover the rest break of England’s Claudia MacDonald following the Rugby World Cup and as back-up to Brooke Bradley while she recovered from a hamstring tear.

The 26-year-old has already made her Scotland debut in 2020 and now has 23 caps to her name, including being part of the squad that took the inaugural WXV2 title in last year. She also played for Glasgow Warriors in the 2024 Celtic Challenge.

McDonald said: “I’m really happy to be signing with Chiefs. It’s such a good environment with great people and can’t wait to get going next season!

Sinclair joined Chiefs the season before from Queensland Reds. Since her debut, the flanker-turned-winger has made 39 appearances for the club following her debut against Warriors Women in December 2021.

The 29-year-old Scottish international has also racked up 15 tries for the club, including her last-minute score that took Chiefs into the 2022/23 league final. She was also in the running for top try-scorer for the 2023/24 season.

Sinclair said: “I have seen the club grow and develop through the years but, the one thing I love, that has always stay consistent, is how professional the environment is. Both players and coaches drive standards week in week out and there’s nothing quite like playing at Sandy Park in front of our home crowd.”

Head coach Susie Appleby said: “Both Mairi and Eilidh have been important members of our squad for the last few years. They understand the Chiefs ethos and are always ready to contribute to our efforts both on and off the pitch.”