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Canada’s Player of the Year is headed to England on a professional contract. Olivia DeMerchant has signed on with the Exeter Chiefs of the Premier 15s. She follows US Eagles trio Kate Zackary, Gabby Cantorna, and Jennine Duncan who were confirmed by the club last month.
DeMerchant, 29, has been a staple in the Canadian side since making her test debut in 2013. The New Brunswick native played in both the 2014 and 2017 World Cups and has established herself as one of the best prop forwards in the world. In November of last year DeMerchant captained Canada for the first time against the USA in San Diego.
This is the second stint in England for DeMerchant. With Exeter she will be competing against former club Saracens, with whom she played for two seasons. The Premier 15s was slated to begin on October 10 but is now facing an uncertain start due to a recent surge in COVID-19 cases in the UK.
