EXETER, ENG. - USA Women’s National Team XVs players Gabby Cantorna, Jennine Duncan and Kate Zackary have all accepted one-year contracts with the Exeter Chiefs’ new professional women’s team. Pending visa approval, the trio will depart for England within the next few weeks to join the team for the 2020-21 Premier 15s season.
The signings mark an important milestone for the Women’s XVs program as a whole, as growing talent within the U.S. has led to an increased demand for American women within the global professional game. The trio join the ranks of just four other players who have competed for overseas professional teams in the last Rugby World Cup cycle. Those players include Kristine Sommer, Jess Wooden and recently-retired Kimber Rozier who played for Harlequins Ladies and Hannah Stolba who played for Rugby El Salvador.
Led by former England players Susie Appleby and Amy Garnett, the Exeter Chiefs’ officially founded their women’s program in September of 2019 and are confirmed to compete through the 2021-22 Premier 15s season. As the Chiefs are one of 10 teams stacked with high-caliber international talent, Cantorna, Duncan and Zackary will bring hugely valuable insight to the entire Eagles player pool as World Cup preparation reaches a crucial period.
Cantorna said:
“I’m very excited to train and contribute to such a fantastic rugby program. As I move forward with this new endeavor, I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity and ongoing support I get from the rugby community.”
Duncan said:
“I am thrilled for the opportunity to grow as a player in a professional environment abroad. To do this with a club like Exeter, that's so focused on culture and investing in women's rugby, makes it even more special.”
Zackary said:
“The Premier 15s is an extremely competitive league, filled with world class athletes from top-tier nations like England and Ireland. This is an exciting new adventure — joining Exeter as they embark on their first season in the league — and I look forward to developing further as a player under the watchful eyes of Susie and Amy.”
For more information about the Premier 15s league, visit www.premier15s.com.
