Exeter Chiefs Women bolster coaching staff with Curtis Bradford's international pedigree

Exeter Chiefs Women have named Curtis Bradford as assistant coach ahead of the 2026/27 Premiership Women’s Rugby season, with the Welshman set to lead the club’s defensive unit at Sandy Park.

Bradford arrives after three and a half years with Rugby Deutschland, where he most recently held the dual role of director of rugby for the men’s XVs programme and head coach of the Germany women’s sevens squad. Prior to that, he served as the union’s skills coach.

His broader coaching career spans multiple continents and levels of the game. Bradford has held roles with the Welsh Rugby Union, Kuala Lumpur Tigers in Malaysia, the NSW Waratahs, and the Austrian Rugby Union, as well as club positions in Italy and Germany.

Alongside overseeing the defence, Bradford will also work closely with the backs group at Exeter.

Head coach Oli Bishop said Bradford stood out across both stages of the interview process, citing alignment in values as well as tactical vision. “Curtis brings a wealth of experience from working with different teams across a number of countries,” Bishop said. “That experience has given him a strong understanding of the differences between the men’s and women’s games, but importantly, an appreciation of the opportunities within the women’s game to innovate, challenge traditional thinking and continue to push boundaries.”

Bishop was also specific about the defensive ambitions Bradford is expected to drive. “We want to become a more aggressive and connected defensive side, one that doesn’t just stop the opposition but actively creates pressure, forces mistakes and generates more opportunities to transition into attack,” he said. “I believe Curtis has the knowledge and approach to help us take that next step.”

Exeter finished third in the Premiership Women’s Rugby standings last season before losing to eventual champions Saracens in the play-offs. Bishop’s squad open the new campaign against Bristol Bears at Shaftesbury Park on Saturday 28 November in Round 2.