Exeter Chiefs promote Oli Bishop to head coach of their women's side ahead of 2026/27 season

Exeter Chiefs have promoted Oli Bishop to head coach of their women’s programme ahead of the 2026/27 Premiership Women’s Rugby season, the club confirmed, with director of rugby Rob Baxter describing the appointment as “fully deserved”.

Bishop joined Exeter last summer as attack and backs coach, bringing prior PWR experience from Trailfinders Women and Wasps Women. In his first season at Sandy Park, he oversaw one of the most productive offences in the English women’s top flight: Exeter scored 82 tries — third-most in the league — claimed 14 try-scoring bonus points (joint-second) and returned to the play-offs at the first attempt.

He steps into the role vacated by Steve Salvin, who left after a single season to become an assistant coach under Sean Lynn with the Wales women’s national side.

“I’m incredibly proud and grateful for the opportunity to lead Exeter Chiefs Women,” Bishop said. “Last season showed what’s possible, both on and off the pitch, but I believe we’re only just scratching the surface of what this group can achieve. Our focus now is on creating an environment where people can thrive, continuing to develop our identity as a team, and competing consistently with the very best in the league.”

Baxter backed the internal promotion emphatically. “I think he’s been a very positive and strong influence on the group over the last season,” the director of rugby said. “He’s got a lot of experience in the women’s game and has put a lot of time and effort into improving himself as a coach. I think people will probably be surprised when they look at the strength of his CV.”

Bishop’s coaching career spans more than a decade and includes school, university and sevens environments alongside his club work in the PWR.

Exeter have also moved to strengthen their coaching structure this summer, appointing former Leicester Tigers head coach Ross Bundy as forwards coach. On the playing side, the club have recruited Wales internationals Maisie Davies and Carys Phillips, Team GB Olympian Deborah Wills, and promoted Honey Kerslake — daughter of All Blacks legend Jerry Collins — from their Exeter College academy.

Baxter said Bishop is already deep into pre-season planning and finalising the last elements of squad recruitment ahead of the new campaign.