Jodie Ounsley: Exeter Chiefs' Gladiator Fury retires from rugby union

Jodie Ounsley is a former British jiu-jitsu champion and has competed for Great Britain at the Deaf Olympics

Exeter Chiefs winger Jodie Ounsley - who is Fury on the successful Gladiators television show - is to stop playing professional rugby union.

The 23-year-old has agreed an early release from her contract to focus on opportunities outside the sport.

Ounsley has played eight times and scored three tries for the Chiefs in a career that has been hit by injury.

She found fame this year after joining the reboot of the popular 1990s gameshow.

The former England Sevens player's final appearance came in last week's Allianz Cup semi-final loss to Saracens.

"Stepping away from the rugby field has been one of the most difficult decisions of my life," she told the Exeter website.

"This sport has given me opportunities, friendships and memories that I could only have dreamed of, and I will forever be grateful to the wonderful community at the Exeter Chiefs for making this feel like home.

"Whilst I am excited for opportunities around the corner, this is certainly not goodbye and I will continue to be a fervent supporter of women's rugby. And with the Rugby World Cup on the horizon, I can't wait to see what the future holds for our sport."

Ounsley (left) was one of 16 Gladiators in the 2024 series, which held its grand finale last month