Exeter Chiefs’ defence of their Allianz Cup title starts under Friday Night Lights when Susie Appleby’s side travel to Sixways to take on Warriors Women next month.
The Chiefs are in Pool A of the Allianz Cup alongside the Warriors, Sale Sharks, Leicester Tigers, and Bristol Bears and face their first match at 7.30pm on Friday 22 September against the Warriors.
Last season’s runners-up Saracens kick off their campaign with a humdinger as they host fierce London rivals Harlequins on Saturday evening, 23 September.
Alex Austerberry’s Saracens will be joined in Pool B by Harlequins, Allianz Premiership Women’s Rugby champions, Gloucester-Hartpury, Loughborough Lightning, and Trailfinders Women.
Allianz Cup Round One
Friday 22 September
7.30pm – Warriors Women v Exeter Chiefs
Saturday 23 September
2pm – Sale Sharks v Leicester Tigers
5pm – Gloucester-Hartpury v Loughborough Lightning
7pm – Saracens v Harlequins
Bye week: Bristol Bears and Trailfinders Women
For a full list of Allianz Cup fixtures click here – https://www.englandrugby.com/fixtures-and-results/search-results?competition=1988&season=2023-2024#fixtures
Chiefs head coach Susie Appleby said: “Every single match is going to be super competitive this season and we start with the Cup which gives new opportunities for other players. I think the whole set-up is very exciting and a new era for the women’s game.
“We have got a good thing going here, we have put a lot of time into making sure we have a good culture here. We have an environment where everyone comes in and embraces it. It’s a fun culture but it’s entirely focused on performance and delivering on the pitch.
“We’re excited to get back on the training field every day and work towards building a strong side for the new year. Recruitment has been hard, we’re not a club that can keep people here if they’re not playing regularly, but I’m confident in the players we have and where we’re going this season.”
Saracens director of rugby Alex Austerberry said: “Saracens are going into our 35th anniversary this season and we have a rich history in women’s rugby.
“Going into this season, it feels like something that’s evolved, with new teams and a league that is incredibly well supported. It’s all about building a place in the sport and landscape and that’s exciting.
“Our domestic league is strong and competitive with real high-quality players, honing their skills week in and week out. We’ve had the chance to redefine where our sport’s situated over the last few years and it’s moved forward immensely. If we can keep building on that momentum, then we could be in a truly special place.
With thanks to the RFU
