University prop signs up for Chiefs Women’s action

Exeter Chiefs Women have signed 20-year-old University of Exeter product Alessia Skeates.

The prop will swap playing BUCS rugby and studying for a degree in international relations and Spanish for life as a professional rugby player for the 2025/26 season.

Having begun playing in year seven at school, a coach at Houghton-le-Springs RFC spotted Skeates at a tournament and encouraged her to join the club.

A mobile forward, Skeates initially played in the back row, earning county honours and a place at the North-East & Cumbria Centre of Excellence.

Qualified to play for both England and Italy, Skeates was persuaded to become a prop by University of Exeter coach Poppy Leitch. She helped the university side to the BUCS final as a fresher followed by two consecutive semis.

Skeates scored two tries in last week’s semi-final against Loughborough University to amass 30 tries across her three years with the team.

Skeates, who can play at loose or tighthead, said: “Playing rugby at university really grew my love for the sport and has made me the person I am today. Being around the Chiefs set-up last year helped me realise rugby is what I want for my future, and this is the perfect opportunity to push myself.”

Interim Chiefs Women’s head coach Steve Salvin said: “We have been tracking Alessia’s progress for a while now and she has continued to impress. She is the perfect example of a player who has flourished under Poppy’s pathway programme. Alessia came to the University as a keen player but is leaving with potential long-term career in the game.

“She is an exciting, try-scoring prop and we like those at Sandy Park! I cannot wait to see what she can do in a Chiefs jersey next season.”