EXETER, ENG – USA Rugby Women’s National Team XVs players Gabby Cantorna, Jennine Detiveaux 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 the Harlequins 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 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.
Zackary with the San Diego Surfers / Photo: Jackie Finlan / TRB
“The Premier 15s is an extremely competitive league, filled with world class athletes from top-tier nations like England and Ireland,” Zackary said. “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.”
Zackary has served as the Eagle 15s captain and the loose forward also has substantial USA 7s experience. Had the Women’s Premier League season evolved this fall, Zackary would have represented the Surfers.
Penn State grad Cantorna rose through the USA age grades before earning her 15s caps. The flyhalf also helped the Glendale Merlins to the 2019 WPL national championship.
“I’m very excited to train and contribute to such a fantastic rugby program,” Cantorna said. “As I move forward with this new endeavor, I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity and ongoing support I get from the rugby community.”
Detiveaux with the Washington AC 7s / Photo: Jackie Finlan / TRB
Detiveaux has not competed in the WPL because her hometown team, Seattle, is a member of the very competitive B.C. Premier league, which features many Canadian internationals and pool players. The power wing earned her first USA 15s cap in November 2018, scoring the lone try against England in a 57-5 loss.
“I am thrilled for the opportunity to grow as a player in a professional environment abroad,” Detiveaux said. “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.”
For more information about the Premier 15s league, visit www.premier15s.com.