womens
premiership-womens-rugby
Ahead of the 2026/27 JAECOO Premiership Women’s Rugby season, Exeter Chiefs have elevated Oli Bishop to the head coach position.
Bishop arrived at the Devon-based team last year as their backs and attack coach, having previously coached in the PWR with London outfits Trailfinders Women and Wasps Women.
During his debut season, Bishop established a highly dynamic offensive style in England’s elite women’s division. Helping the squad secure a playoff spot immediately, Exeter registered 82 tries (ranking third overall) and collected 14 try bonus points (placing them tied for second).
Taking over the top position at Sandy Park, he succeeds Steve Salvin, who stepped down after a single year to become an assistant coach under Sean Lynn with the Wales national team.
Commenting on his appointment, Bishop expressed: “I feel immensely proud and thankful to take charge of Exeter Chiefs Women. Our previous campaign demonstrated our potential, both on and off the field, yet I am convinced we have only begun to unlock what this squad is truly capable of.
“With an exceptional roster of athletes and staff dedicated to putting on a brilliant spectacle, I look forward to progressing from the groundwork we have established. Moving forward, our priority is to foster a culture where everyone can excel, further refine our collective identity, and regularly challenge the top contenders in the division.”
Over the summer break, the Chiefs secured the services of ex-Leicester Tigers head coach Ross Bundy to oversee their forwards.
With a coaching background spanning more than ten years, Bishop boasts extensive PWR knowledge alongside previous stints coaching in schools, universities, and rugby sevens.
So far, Exeter’s summer signings include Welsh international duo Maisie Davies and Carys Phillips, alongside Team GB Olympic player Deborah Wills. Additionally, the side has integrated Honey Kerslake—daughter of iconic All Black Jerry Collins—into the main squad from their Exeter College development pathway.
Rob Baxter, the director of rugby for Exeter Chiefs, noted: “It is fantastic news that Oli has agreed to become our head coach. Over the past year, he has had an incredibly constructive and powerful impact on the squad.
“He possesses a wealth of knowledge within the women’s game and has dedicated significant energy to his personal development, picking up diverse skills across both club and international levels. His impressive resume will likely turn a few heads once people see its depth.
“Stepping up to run the entire program is an opportunity Oli has thoroughly earned. I strongly believe that when individuals join us, dedicate themselves completely, and demonstrate total commitment to the overarching project, they deserve to be advanced from within.
“Oli’s immediate task is to complete the final additions to his roster. He has already been heavily involved in shaping our pre-season strategies, ensuring everything is thoroughly organized.
“This appointment represents a highly encouraging step for the stability of our women’s program and sets a strong foundation for their future growth.”
