The most obvious of these, of course, was this season being the first league season the team played, but there were many other firsts across the year to recognise.

There were first tries scored, first senior appearances, first captaincies and vice-captaincies, first awards won. There were first times playing new positions, with some even playing their first rugby games ever, first away trips and first home games. We saw the first usage of our new change-rooms and facilities, first video analysis sessions, first 1:1’s and player IDP’s. There was even a first for me - it was my first year coaching here at Exmouth.

In only a few short months, this squad took huge steps forward, progressing significantly both as individuals as well as a team, putting in strong performances against opposition from established programs. Despite the challenges and a steep learning curve, the women posted wins against every team in the league, and finished second in the table. There were some standout performances, most notably Withycombe at home and Sidmouth away, where the on field performance reflected both the hard work put in at training, and the potential of this group.

Beginnings are exciting, full of newness and promise and firsts, and it can be easy to look at a fresh start and think that’s where it all began- but nothing good ever gets built without a strong foundation underneath it. The many firsts we were able to celebrate this season were built directly upon the hard work of many contributions made long before our first KO last fall.

I would like to thank the many women who have played rugby at this club before this first league season, and the coaches who taught them, as well as the huge workforce behind the age grade programs in place here introducing so many young girls to rugby and preparing them for a lifelong love of the game, the countless administrators and organisers who gave untold volunteer hours to building and delivering the girls’ and women’s programs, and Exmouth RFC itself for supporting and investing in the women’s game.

All of this seasons accomplishments are all of yours as much as they are anyone else’s - thank you.

If one should start the way one means to go on, I think the Exmouth Women have checked that box this season- and I’m looking forward to carrying on into 2026/27 with them.

Thank you.

Stef Evans
EXMOUTH RUGBY WOMEN HEAD COACH

We look forward to seeing you for next season. To find out more about Girls & Women's Rugby at EXMOUTH, please contact us; Dave Armstrong on 07853 090550 will be happy to help.