Claudia MacDonald

Claudia MacDonald currently plays as scrum-half or a wing for the England women's rugby union team and Exeter Chiefs Women. She debuted for the national squad during the 2018 Quilter Internationals.

Born on 4 January 1996 in Epsom, Surrey, Claudia MacDonald moved to Dubai in 2008. She spent four years there with her family while her brother, Alex, played for the Arabian Gulf side—her other brother, Seb, represented Swieqi Overseas Rugby Club in Malta.

MacDonald played netball during her childhood and it wasn't until she attended Durham University that she began playing rugby. Her talent was quickly recognised and she became captain of the university team, juggling her sporting ambitions while also studying for a degree in economics.

After university, MacDonald returned to her roots and signed to Sutton & Epsom RFC. She stayed there until 2017 when she joined the Darlington Mowden Park Sharks. One year later, she transferred to Wasps Ladies. She moved to Exeter Chiefs Women in 2022.

In addition to her club career, MacDonald is a well known player on the world stage. She joined the national squad in 2018 and achieved a string of firsts in 2019: she signed her professional England contract, made her Six Nations debut and won her first Grand Slam.

From here, MacDonald competed at the next two Six Nations. She scored a try during both tournaments: first in England’s 53-0 victory against Scotland (2020) and then in their 67-3 win over Italy (2021). One year later, she became a household name at the delayed 2021 Rugby World Cup.

As one of the tournament’s top try scorers, she crossed the line four times during England’s opening match against Fiji. She scored her first try five minutes in and sealed the team’s epic 84-19 result with her 76-minute effort.

Her achievements continued at the 2023 Six Nations. Here she played in four matches and scored four tries: two in England’s 58-7 triumph over Scotland and another brace in their 68-5 win against Italy.

Described by England as a player who has 'enjoyed a meteoric rise through the rugby ranks', we're sure there's plenty more to come from Claudia MacDonald.