Exeter Chiefs appoint Oli Bishop as Women's head coach

Oli Bishop has been promoted to head coach of the Exeter Chiefs Women ahead of the 2026/27 season. Bishop previously served as the attack and backs coach, contributing to the team's run to the JAECOO PWR semi-finals.

Bishop, who enters his 13th consecutive season coaching women’s top-flight rugby, will lead a coaching staff that includes newly recruited assistant coach Ross Bundy. Exeter Chiefs director of rugby Rob Baxter noted that Bishop has been a “positive and strong influence on the group” and has demonstrated significant effort in his professional development as a coach.

The Exeter Chiefs men's side also recently completed a notable turnaround in the Premiership, moving from the bottom of the standings to becoming runners-up, despite a narrow loss to Northampton in the final.