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The Exeter Chiefs have agreed new contracts with four USA Eagles for the 2021-22 Premier 15s campaign. Kate Zackary, Gabby Cantorna, Jennine Duncan, and Rachel Johnson will all return for a second season with the club. Joanna Kitlinski also played for the Chiefs this past year.
Loose forward Zackary made an instant impression and was named Player of the Month for Exeter in November. The Eagles captain would start all 18 matches, scoring seven tries, and even featuring as a makeshift center towards the end of the campaign. Her outstanding form earned a nomination for Premier 15s Team of the Season.
Also earning a nomination for Premier 15s Team of the Season was Cantorna. Lining up at inside center, she earned Player of the Month honors for Exeter in February. Cantorna also played every match, starting 17 of 18, and led the team in scoring with 95 points including 39 conversions and 4 penalty goals.
Duncan is retained despite featuring just twice during the season. The speedy winger was laid low by a serious hamstring injury but impressed with her dedication off the pitch.
Johnson arrived halfway through the campaign but the flanker made an immediate impact. Despite playing just seven games, four of them starts, she scored six tries and before injury ruled her out of the final two games of the season.
The four players will report for preseason training soon with their first warm-up match scheduled for August 21. Exeter will be looking to improve on their 6th-place finish in their inaugural campaign.
