Exeter Chiefs Women will have to reflect on a brilliant Allianz Cup victory and a valiant league campaign that just fell short, as they suffered a 34-19 defeat in the Allianz Premier 15s Final against Gloucester-Hartpury.

The Chiefs blasted past old rivals Saracens in the semi-final and were confident of claiming the double at Gloucester’s Kingsholm Stadium, temporarily rebranded Queensholm for the final.

In truth, however, the Cherry & Whites of Gloucester were in control for much of the afternoon and ran out deserved winners. Emily Tuttosi, Liv McGoverne and Ebony Jefferies scored tries for the Chiefs but the big day belonged to Gloucester.

Head coach Susie Appleby spoke to the Chiefs’ website after the game: "Sadly, I thought the better team came out on top," said Appleby. "We were outmuscled and outplayed in pretty much every department. We played against a good side and they played the game really well, so congratulations to Gloucester-Hartpury.

"We didn't put enough pressure on at crucial times and made crucial errors. Right now, today really hurts, but the future is bright. I know we're better than what we showed, but finals are pressure situations and we didn't convert any opportunities.

"This is twice this has happened to us and it really hurts. But you have to learn and you have to move forward. We've had a good season, I've just told the players not to forget that. We're back-to-back cup champions, we got it wrong (Sunday), but we'll get another opportunity and it's what you do next."

On the men’s side of the club, Exeter have been drawn in a group with Aviron Bayonnais, Glasgow Warriors, Munster and Toulon for the 2023-24 Champions Cup.

The European campaign will begin for the Chiefs in December, with Pool matches completed before the end of January. The grand final will be played at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on May 25, 2024.

The players from both sides of the club signed off a successful season with an open-top bus parade through Exeter, with the men celebrating victory in the Premiership Rugby Cup and the women were crowned Allianz Cup champions.

Lord Mayor of Exeter, Cllr Kevin Mitchell, said: “We as a city couldn't be prouder of the Exeter Chiefs, who have again enjoyed another fantastic season.”