Exeter 'progressing' despite PWR semi-final loss

Exeter assistant coach Oli Bishop says his side's run to the semi-finals of Premiership Women's Rugby is a foundation for more success.

The Chiefs were beaten 40-38 by Saracens on Sunday as they returned to the play-offs for the first time in two years.

Exeter battled back from 28-12 down to lead 31-28 at half time, but Saracens forced their way into the final thanks to Jess Breach's late try.

"What we've seen this season is we've started trying to play a new brand of rugby," attack and backs coach Bishop told BBC Radio Devon.

"We've looked at changing the way that we do stuff and what we've done this year is just build.

"We've looked at progressing, understand what we're trying to do, improve our fundamentals and improve our decision making.

"I think with another pre-season and then going into next year we've got to be confident."

But Bishop admitted that he was "gutted" Exeter could not make the final - having looked as though they could emulate the men's side who beat Bath in their Prem semi-final last week.

But having twice lost to Saracens in the league - including a 39-5 humbling when they last visited their opponents in September - Bishop was quick to recognise how far his side has progressed.

"I think the girls left it all out there on the pitch today," he added.

"I think when we look at the two games that we've had this year against Sarries, it shows how much we've come on this year.

"They were in great form and I think we had opportunities today to walk away with it and it was down to the last bits of the game.

"I'm so proud of the girls today for the effort we put in.

"I think we showed our attack, we showed our heart in defence and we showed that we can mix with anyone."