Johnson announces retirement from Chiefs and the PWR

Exeter Chiefs Women’s No 8 Rachel Johnson has announced her intention to retire from the club and rugby in the PWR.

The USA Eagle is committed to the Pacific Four Series (PAC4) in May and Rugby World Cup in August and September later this year but will not be returning to the English league for the 2025/26 season.

Almost an original, as she began her Chiefs career in the January of the first season in the league, Johnson has gone on to play 64 times for the club while juggling international absences at the 2021 World Cup, PAC4 and WXV tournaments.

Head coach Susie Appleby said: “We are so sorry to say goodbye to Rach. She is the sweetest person off the field but terrifying on it…exactly what you want from a No 8!

“I think of her as an OG because she has been with us for five seasons, in which time we have watched her develop as a player and seen her rise to become the Eagles’ vice-captain. I wish Rach could go on forever, and I am sure the fans do too, but we understand her decision and wish her all the luck in the world for the future.”

Johnson, 34, who has scored 25 tries for Chiefs, is not entirely hanging up her boots, but hopes to get some game-time back on American soil while making use of her training in community health and nursing with hospice care her professional goal.

She said: “This is emotional! My last run out at Sandy Park stirred up a lot in me. What a bittersweet privilege it’s been to reflect on all the memories created here. I’ve left Chiefs many times for international competitions and to see family, so that part won’t be new, what will take getting used to is not returning.

“Chiefs has been my rugby home for almost five years. My experiences here, loving and heartbreaking and many more in-between, have shaped me into the athlete and person I am now. I am beyond grateful for this opportunity to learn and compete with some of the best rugby players in the world, and even more special is that I’ve gotten to call some of them teammates and friends.

“Accepting Susie’s offer to join Chiefs five years ago has forever altered the direction of my life. However, it’s important to know when it’s time to move on from a place and I know now is my time to say goodbye to Chiefs. I’m approaching a time in my life where my priorities are shifting. Being closer to family, putting down more stable roots and creating financial stability, to name just a few.”

Although the PWR season is drawing to a close, rugby fans will still get to see Johnson play in this country as she is likely to feature for the Eagles in the Women’s Rugby World Cup’s opening game against England at the Stadium of Light in Sunderland and at other matches and venues in the tournament.

Johnson continued: “I love women’s rugby. This sport has fostered a supportive community for me, locally and internationally. I have made many life-long friendships. Elite women’s rugby is far from glamorous, but these relationships make carrying forward possible.

“I want to give a special thank you to our fans, who I’ve witnessed cultivate their own special community through supporting Exeter Chief Women, and the community at large who have hosted, supported and welcomed me into their beautiful city.

“And an extra special shout out to all the young girls who have attended matches. It’s inspiring to see so many future athletes and leaders in our crowds. I am looking forward to seeing you all again at the Rugby World Cup games this year.

“Lastly, thank you could never be enough, but regardless, I’ll say it anyway. Thank you from the bottom of my heart to my teammates, staff and coaches, and all those who go under-thanked at Sandy Park for making this stop on my journey absolutely unforgettable."