CALENDAR GIRLS JUST WANT TO HAVE FUN – Exeter Chiefs Women’s first-ever naked calendar

Exeter Chiefs Women have unveiled their first-ever ‘Exposed’ charity calendar – a bold, joyful and athlete-led project designed to champion body positivity while raising money for two major causes: Breast Cancer Now and the Exeter Chiefs Foundation.

Available now – and just in time for Christmas – the 2026 Exposed calendar marks a significant moment for the team and for the PWR, becoming the league’s first women’s naked charity calendar.

Inspired by the long-standing success of the men’s Exposed series, the players took the initiative to create their own version – this time highlighting the confidence, authenticity and strength of female athletes.

The launch follows a landmark year for women’s rugby and women’s sport more widely. The calendar brings together an exciting group of players including vice-captains Maisy Allen and Flo Robinson, Canada captain Alex Tessier, Italy international Francesca Granzotto, homegrown talents Abby Middlebrooke and Lucy Nye, and Rugby World Cup winner Claudia Moloney-MacDonald.

Amazing

Tessier spoke to The New Women’s Sport Magazine about the project.

She said: “We’re a group of girls that want to have fun, it was quite easy to get the girls on board. It was fun, enjoyable and I think the result is amazing.

“In our world, it was not hard to convince anybody. I think everybody understood the cause behind it and understood the impact that we could have.

“The result is really nice actually and I’m very much looking forward to having a copy and bringing some over for my family this Christmas.

“And I made my family proud at the same time that I took part for the breast cancer cause and yeah it’s a good cause at the end of the day and I think my family will be proud of that.”

Energy and Pride

Moloney-MacDonald said the squad approached the shoot with energy and pride:

“We’re really excited about the first ever Chiefs Women’s naked calendar. It’s a great opportunity for us to celebrate strong women, looking and feeling confident in their bodies.

“We also had a lot of fun creating it, which I think shines through in the pictures. “And what better causes than the Exeter Chiefs Foundation and Breast Cancer Now.”

Chiefs head coach Steve Salvin is right behind the project, saying: ”It was something the girls drove. They really wanted to do it, so if there’s something they really want to do, we’ll always support them.

“And, you know, it’s created a bit of a buzz. They’re really excited by it. So, yeah, I think it’s a great idea.”

Supporting breast cancer research and the local community Proceeds from the calendar will be split between Breast Cancer Now – PWR’s charity partner- and the Exeter Chiefs Foundation, which has distributed more than £3 million to community projects across the wider Exeter area.

Genevieve Shore, executive chair of PWR, praised the players for shaping the project themselves:

“I’m thrilled that Exeter Chiefs and their squad of incredible athletes have come together to support such an important cause. That the athletes have led the way, with their own sense of humour and fun, says a lot about their character and the team spirit being fostered at Sandy Park. It bodes well for the rest of their season!”

Inspiring

Breast Cancer Now, the UK’s leading breast cancer research and support charity, emphasised the timeliness of the fundraising. Claire Pulford, associative director of relationship fundraising and events, said:

“A woman is diagnosed with breast cancer every nine minutes in the UK. If nothing is done to change this, by 2040, a woman will be diagnosed every eight minutes.

“It’s inspiring to see these exceptional athletes celebrate body positivity and women’s empowerment with such confidence, strength and authenticity.

“Their support will help us continue funding lifesaving research and providing life-changing support for everyone affected by breast cancer.”

Meanwhile, funds directed to the Exeter Chiefs Foundation will continue supporting local initiatives, from playgrounds and IT suites to community kitchens, accessible equipment and vital renovation projects.

Calendar with Purpose

The Chiefs hope the calendar will not only raise crucial funds but also send a powerful message about visibility, self-confidence and the realities of athletic bodies in women’s sport – something rarely in the spotlight with such candour in rugby.

Exeter Chiefs Women’s Exposed calendar is on sale now, available both at the club shop and online. For every calendar purchased, £5.10 will be donated directly to Breast Cancer Now.