Claudia Moloney-MacDonald delivered a stunning performance, crossing the try line four times to guide Exeter Chiefs to a commanding 50-24 victory over Sale Sharks in the final round of Premiership Women's Rugby regular season action. The England international, fresh off a Grand Slam-winning Six Nations campaign with the Red Roses, showcased her exceptional form at a crucial juncture for the Chiefs.
Moloney-MacDonald's Try-Scoring Spree
The 30-year-old winger, who also scored twice against Bristol last week, was a constant threat in open play. Her highlight-reel try saw her chase down a kicked ball just before it rolled out of bounds, displaying remarkable speed and determination. With this performance, Moloney-MacDonald now has 14 tries in the PWR this season, underscoring her status as one of the league's most prolific finishers.
Playoff Picture Takes Shape
Exeter, who had already secured a playoff berth, confirmed their opponents with this victory. They will travel to StoneX Stadium on 13 June to face Saracens, who concluded their regular season with an emphatic 80-14 win over Ealing Trailfinders. The other semi-final pits table-toppers Gloucester-Hartpury against Trailfinders, setting the stage for an exciting postseason.
Gloucester finished top of the standings, but Trailfinders will fancy their chances after ending Gloucester's unbeaten league run—which dated back to November 2024—last weekend. However, Gloucester bounced back with a 26-21 win over West Country rivals Bristol on Sunday, demonstrating their resilience.
Sale's Ambitions for Next Season
Sale, who achieved their best league finish since the 2022-23 season, are building a squad capable of challenging for the playoffs next year. The northern club already boasts stars like England's Amy Cokayne, Scotland's Rhona Lloyd, and Ireland's Brittany Hogan. They have also announced the signings of England internationals Zoe Stratford, Tatyana Heard, and Sarah Beckett from Gloucester for next season. Additionally, World Cup-winning Red Rose Ellie Kildunne is a free agent after leaving Harlequins, though her next club remains unconfirmed.
Match Highlights
Sale started brightly at a windy and overcast Sandy Park, with fly-half Holly Aitchison orchestrating play and hooker Amy Cokayne executing a 50-22 kick. However, Moloney-MacDonald's first try shifted momentum in a fiercely contested first half. Replacement hooker Emily Tuttosi, who is leaving the club at the end of the season, also scored as Exeter took a 24-12 lead into halftime.
The Chiefs pulled away in the second half, with scrum-half Flo Robinson crossing the line to become the fourth women's player to reach 100 appearances for the club. Moloney-MacDonald was named Player of the Match and nearly added a fifth try in the dying minutes but spilled the ball from a chipped kick.
Player Quotes
Reflecting on her performance, Moloney-MacDonald said: "I am really enjoying my rugby. It's great to be back with the squad, back in a Chiefs shirt. We went out there today to try and put out a performance to build momentum into a semi-final and that is exactly what we did. We have a few touch-ups and a few things to focus on in training but I think we can go in with some real confidence."
She added: "Saracens have had some brilliant form throughout the competition. They have sat solidly in that second place but we have to focus on ourselves. It is about rising to the challenge and building momentum throughout the season. Perhaps we had a few wobbly spots earlier on but I think we are there now."
Other Results and Looking Ahead
In the final regular season match, Loughborough defeated Leicester 50-36 to finish sixth, while Leicester ended the campaign winless after 16 matches. The playoffs now begin, with questions surrounding whether Gloucester's dominance will continue or if Exeter or Trailfinders can cause an upset. If Moloney-MacDonald's form continues to peak, there may be surprises in store in England's top flight.
