Statement: Player departs Exeter Chiefs to recover from head injury
02/17/2025 04:06 PM
Exeter Chiefs Women's centre Molly Saunders has left the club to prioritise her recovery from a head injury sustained during pre-season.
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The 23-year-old joined the Chiefs last summer after stints with Worcester Warriors, Wasps, Richmond, and Harlequins.However, a concussion picked up against Gloucester-Hartpury in the PWR Up series has kept her sidelined, with ongoing symptoms preventing a return to the pitch.
From the pitch to the classroom
Despite her injury, Saunders has remained active within the sport—coaching the girls' teams at Exeter College, a key part of the Chiefs’ development pathway.
Chiefs head coach Susie Appleby praised her impact off the field:
"Molly was supposed to play a significant part in our season, but sadly that hasn't happened. However, she's made an outstanding contribution to the young female players at Exeter College. Her expertise as a strength and conditioning coach has been invaluable, and she's been an excellent rugby mentor. We value everything she's brought to the club."
New ventures on the horizon
Saunders will undergo specialist treatment before focusing on her new business—Sport Exchange—which connects 15s and sevens rugby players with overseas clubs.
Reflecting on her time at Exeter, Saunders admitted the situation hasn't gone to plan:
"It's been frustrating not to play, but I've enjoyed working with the Chiefs and Exeter College. I hope to return to rugby in the future, but right now, I need to prioritise my recovery."
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#5.Jonah Lomu (New Zealand)
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