Mikiela Nelson: 'The fan base for women's rugby right now is phenomenal'

Mikiela Nelson only joined Exeter Chiefs at the start of this season but she’s savouring every second in the black jersey as their PWR campaign gathers momentum.

The Canadian international arrived at Sandy Park from Vancouver, where she previously played for Capilano Rugby Football Club, and has quickly established herself as a key figure for the Devonians.

The loosehead is no stranger to competing on big stages, having represented Canada in the 2021 Women’s Rugby World Cup, and her early taste of life in Exeter is ticking all the right boxes.

“I’m excited every single day," she said. "It’s been such a positive experience getting to just play rugby and in front of so many people, I’m always smiling going into training.

“It’s crazily exciting to come across the world and play with people you’ve never played with before. I’ve seen teammates make different lines at training and thought ‘Oh I like that, I’m going to try that myself’.

“The rugby set up is entirely different to what I was used to in Canada. It’s very high level day in, day out, but it’s so rewarding having something to work for and other people to work for too.”

Putting on a show 🍿

These XV players were in a league of their own in Round 3 🔥#PWR #PoweredDifferently pic.twitter.com/h1U48XTMxy

— Premiership Women's Rugby (@ThePWR) October 22, 2024

The 26-year-old has contributed three tries in her three appearances for the club, including two on her first start in an impressive win at reigning champions Gloucester-Hartpury in Round 3.

She has played a crucial role in Chiefs' unbeaten start and Nelson credits her teammates for making the job ‘easy’.

“I’m very much a person who likes to fly under the radar so I don’t like the attention, but three tries in three games is not a reflection on me, it’s a reflection on the team,” she said.

“It shows there’s 15 people working hard and I just got to do the easy part of dotting the ball down across the try line. I’m just trying to work as hard as the rest of the team.

“They are so gritty. I like to think I’m hard working but there have definitely been days where I think ‘You have to dig into some dark places’ to show up for the team as much as they show up for each other.”

Our new Canadian has impressed week on week! 🇨🇦

The well deserved @VertuMotors Player of the Day against @GlosHartpury goes to Mikiela Nelson 👏

Congratulations! ⚔#GLOvEXE | #PoweredDifferently pic.twitter.com/24AmBcbRYy

— Exeter Chiefs Women (@ExeChiefsWomen) October 22, 2024

Nelson is one of a handful of Canadian players to feature at Chiefs, including Demi Swann and utility back Alex Tessier, with the homely feel of the southwest creating a magnetic pull.

“I’ve wanted to come over for ages - since the year Chiefs joined the Premier 15s [pre 2020/21 season],” she said. “I spoke to a couple of the Canada girls about the culture at Chiefs and that just sold it for me. The club is both wholesome and hard working.

“Exeter as a place just seemed the most like home too. Everyone is lovely and always happy to help, strangers in the street are chatty and really kind which reminds me of home - unlike in London where everyone is on a mission."

Nelson’s love for the locals extends to the loyal Chiefs fans, who travel from near and far to show their support each weekend.

“You don’t see strangers coming to watch club matches where I’m from," she said.

"It’s not like here where the stadium is full and the fans are chanting and people have driven for miles to cheer you on.

“That’s been very different to what I’m used to but I’ve been absolutely loving every second of it. The crowds and fan base for women’s rugby right now is phenomenal. It definitely warms the heart.”

Exeter’s very own Sandy Park is set to play host to a series of World Cup games next year, including Canada’s clash with Scotland, but for now Nelson has her eyes - and heart - set on all things Chiefs.

“The goal right now is to focus on how I can help Chiefs win each game and play my part in getting us to the finals next year. I’m really excited to grow as a player in the team and to see the team grow,” she said.

“Fingers crossed I find myself at that World Cup next year and I can add value to Canada too.”