I'm leaving with a big smile: Lucy Nye retires from professional rugby to focus on RAF

Flight Lieutenant Lucy Nye has announced her retirement from professional rugby to focus on her RAF career.

Flt Lt Nye brings her professional career to a close at hometown club Exeter Chiefs, after two full seasons and 27 appearances in Devon.

While her 12-year career in the top flight comes to an end, the 30-year-old will continue to represent the RAF on the rugby pitch.

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The former England U20s and England Sevens star returned to Exeter in 2024 after spells with Bristol, Loughborough, Wasps and Leicester, balancing much of her playing career with her service in the Air Force.

Flt Lt Nye said: "The RAF have always been great in supporting me while I have been here, but now I want to kick on with my career. I absolutely love Chiefs and I’ve always done rugby, but I think it’s nice to end something on your own terms."

She added: "I am Exeter born and bred. I grew up here, worked at Sandy Park, but there was never a women's team. I can't be more grateful to have finished my career down here.

"Every life decision I have ever made has always been around rugby. That change will be a bit foreign to me, but I also feel at peace with my decision, so I think that's a sign that it's right for me. I’m going to miss the girls, but I'm leaving with a big smile on my face.

"I am lucky though that the RAF is a pretty similar environment, so I am really excited to kick on into the next chapter of my life.

"I am happy and I am excited about it. I just want to finish on a high and go out on my terms."