EUWRFC debuts in Women’s Rugby Autumn Internationals

Caity and Lagi were named as two of the seven uncapped players in the squad which also boasted 18 players from the summer’s World Cup squad. Sports Scholar and MSc Sport and Health Sciences student Caity came off the bench to make her debut in the opening fixture where England triumphed 79-5 at Allianz Park.

Reflecting on her achievement Caity commented: "I’m really excited to get my first senior cap for England and am looking forward to the year ahead.  Having joined Exeter and Bristol at the start of the season I’m definitely enjoying the South West and University rugby. The uni girls got a great win against Hartpury while we were in camp so hopefully we can carry this form through the rest of the BUCS season ”

Selected in the 23 man side for the second test and making the starting line-up for the third test, first year Exercise and Sport Sciences student Lagi Tuima commented: "I’m really enjoying my rugby at the moment and love being part of EUWRFC. To get my 1^st senior cap for England is something I didn’t expect to happen so soon but I hope to continue to progress in my rugby whilst focusing on my sports science degree at Exeter. The sports science staff have been really supportive of my rugby commitments and the support I receive from Jo and the High Performance Programme has helped me so much."

Also in the squad was Exeter alumnae and World Cup squad member Amber Reed who has been capped more than 40 times for England and plays her Premiership club rugby at Bristol Ladies. Former Sports Scholar and Exercise and Sport Sciences student Amber captained the University of Exeter Women’s Rugby club to BUCS Gold in the 2012-2013 Championship.

Head of Women’s Rugby at University of Exeter Jo Yapp commented: “It’s fantastic to see a number of Exeter girls coming through the England Talent pathway. Both Lagi and Caity should be very proud of their debuts and I look forward to seeing them a lot more at senior England level."

The University of Exeter Women’s Rugby 1^st team currently sit 3^rd in the BUCS Premier South league ,with a game in hand following a superb victory over Hartpury University Centre Women’s 1^st 22-10. Jo Yapp is also the head coach for the England Women’s U20s side and University of Exeter S&C coach Wayne Pattinson leads on their S&C. Lagi remains eligible for the U20s side this year and first year Exercise and Sport Sciences student Hollie Cunningham has also been named in the squad for the upcoming season. Following their 1^st camp of the year the squad look ahead to fixtures against the Army and France in 2018.