Munster and Ireland's Dorothy Wall joins Exeter Chiefs

EXIT-HER: Dorothy Wall has left Munster to join the Exeter Chiefs. Pic: Juan Gasparini/Sportsfile.

Munster and Ireland lock/flanker Dorothy Wall has joined Exeter Chiefs ahead of the new Allianz PWR season in England.

The Munster captain, an Ireland regular and one of the first group of players to sign a professional contract with the IRFU in October 2022, said her move made sense “personally and professionally” while Chiefs head coach Susie Appleby welcomed a fourth Irishwoman to her current squad alongside former national captain Nichola Fryday, and ongoing international team-mates Edel McMahon and Cliodhna Moloney.

Wall, 24, has 28 Ireland caps and has also represented her country at sevens but said she was fully committed to the Irish cause as they build towards the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup in England, having been part of the team that earned qualification via a third-place finish in the 2024 Six Nations.

A recent radiography graduate from UCD, the Tipperary woman had played for Blackrock College in the Women’s AIL for the past five seasons.

“I am very excited to be joining Exeter Chiefs and playing in the Allianz PWR next season,” Wall said. “I’ve really enjoyed watching Exeter over the last few seasons and I’m looking forward to getting stuck in and growing my game over the next while.

“At this point in my life, a change makes sense for me, both personally and professionally. I’m excited to hopefully run out at Sandy Park next season alongside my other Irish teammates.

“I’d like to thank the IRFU and Munster Rugby for their support & understanding and I remain hugely committed to Ireland as we head into a Rugby World Cup year.”

Munster Rugby thanked Wall for her contribution and wished her well with her move to Exeter, while Chiefs boss Appleby told the Devon club’s website: “Dorothy is a really exciting player who can play in both the back and second rows but is also a great carrier of the ball and has leadership experience.

“Chiefs has truly benefited from bringing Irish players to Sandy Park with Nic (Fryday), Cli (Moloney) and Edel (McMahon) still with us, and I’m sure Dorothy will be no different.

“Hopefully, they have felt they have developed their games with us in the Allianz PWR league and will continue to do so next season.”