Talented Heriot’s Blues Women player Sophie Langford has signed a contract with Exeter Chiefs Women.
Sophie joined Heriot’s Blues Women during the Summer pre-season of 2021, as a 16-year-old, training with the team until her debut during the Sarah Beaney Cup in early 2022.
After a successful three week trial with Exeter Chiefs Women during preseason this year, Sophie was offered a contract.
While Sophie enjoyed her time playing for Heriot’s Blues Women she is excited for the challenges ahead.
‘’Playing for Heriot’s Blues Women was my first taste of women’s rugby and I couldn’t have been with a better team. My teammates were so welcoming when I came to my first preseason session,’’ she said.
Sophie credits Heriot’s Blues Women Head Coach Lucy Brown and Heriot’s Director of Women and Girls Rhona Hume as important figures in her development as a young player.
‘‘They gave me opportunities to better myself all throughout the season, and really helped me develop my game and playing style,” she said.
Lucy admits that Sophie will be missed but is happy to see her play in the Allianz Premier 15s competition with Exeter.
‘‘Sophie from the outset was a talented player and we are proud to have been a part of her journey from Heriot’s Blues Women and then onto Scotland Futures,’’ she said.
‘‘Playing in the Allianz Premier 15s will progress her development as a player and I’m proud of Sophie pursuing that ambition. We look forward to seeing her be successful in an Exeter shirt, just as she was in a Heriot’s shirt!”
Rhona will be watching Sophie’s progress playing for her new club in the English competition.
“Sophie showed dedication and commitment to her training after arriving at Heriot’s Rugby Club and backed herself to go on trial with Exeter,’’ she said.
‘‘I am so pleased she will now have a chance to showcase her awesome skills in the best women’s rugby competition in the world!”