A new chapter for Deborah Wills at Exeter Chiefs

Deborah Wills signed for Exeter Chiefs ahead of the 2026/27 season, moving her life from North London back to the all familiar West Country.

“I’m Cornish, so Chiefs have always been the closest JAECOO PWR club to home. I’ve always had one eye on them,” said Wills.

“Watching how their playing style has changed over the past season has been really intriguing. The style of play and where the team is going has been really exciting to see.”

In the 2025/26 season, Exeter narrowly missed out on a spot in the league final, falling just short to Saracens at the whistle.

Wills, who was then playing for Saracens, missed out on selection due to post concussion syndrome, but watched in awe from the sidelines.

“That semi-final should have really been the JAECOO PWR Final. It was such an incredible display of rugby from both sides, with only a few points in it by the end.

“I knew from that performance that it was a team I could definitely get involved in and learn within that environment.”

Making the decision to move from the busy lifestyle of London was something that concerned more than just Wills herself.

“I’ve got a young family, so my husband and I had to consider how we wanted to bring our son up.

 “We knew we wanted an outdoorsy, coastal, lifestyle for him, which made the move to Devon the perfect option for our family.”

Though Wills had previously played for Saracens and Bristol Bears, this move felt like a different territory for her.

“This was the first time I’ve gone to a club without any pre-existing links or friendships there. It felt like the first day of school,” she joked.

“But everyone has been really welcoming to me, and it’s actually been quite nice to have to rediscover and establish those friendships.

“Liv McGoverne and Emily Robinson are two of the girls who have really helped me settle into life here. They were really sweet even before I arrived and made sure to message offering support if I needed it.

“It’s been really enjoyable to work within a new playing structure. I work within the backs, so it’s all about figuring out how each person plays, the best way to communicate, and what lines to run off people.

“It can be a bit daunting when you first start, because of how much information you need to learn. But you have to accept being uncomfortable in those first few weeks and it’ll pay off.”

Since signing for Chiefs in the summer, Wills has been involved in each of their three JAECOO Next Gen Cup matches.

“The JAECOO Next Gen Cup is super valuable for a number of reasons. The league itself is so competitive and stacked with international talent, so the Next Gen Cup gives minutes to those who aren’t away with their country.

“It can be quite a large gap without rugby for those players, so this competition allows them to play regularly before the new season starts.

“It also allows younger players to get a taste for the intensity of the league and train with the wider squad.

“The Next Gen Cup is less intense than the JAECOO PWR, but it’s a really good stepping stone from the likes of BUCS into the elite environment.”

The Devon side have won 2 of their 3 Next Gen Cup games, securing points against Leicester Tigers and Loughborough Lightning. Next up for Wills is a trip back to her old club, where Exeter Chiefs will face Saracens in Round 5.

“I’m really excited to go back. It’s a strange feeling, because it’s still such a familiar place to me, but I’m looking forward to being there and to rip in.

“Going up against the likes of Sydney Gregson and Amelia MacDougall will be interesting, because I’ve played so much with them. We have a good understanding of each other, so it’s a challenge I’m looking forward to.”

Exeter Chiefs will play Saracens in the JAECOO Next Gen Cup on Saturday 17th October at the StoneX Stadium.

Tickets are available here.