Jess Thomas and Ebony Jefferies have been selected for the RFU U18 South West Squad. Currently both players in the Exeter College Women’s Rugby Academy in partnership with Exeter Chiefs, the pair made the 28 strong squad after it was whittled down from 76 hopefuls from all around the southwest of England. Any players who are aged 16-17 can then progress for selection for TDG (England's National Talent Development Group) squads, South West 7s team or for an England U20s trail which both Jess and Ebony hope to be progress to. Both girls currently study BTEC sports courses at the college.

Jess said “TDG is England's National Talent Development Group. This is a group of girls from all divisions [SW, SE, North and Midlands] and it is currently the highest level I play for. This group is for players with the potential to play for England but aren't old enough to trial for the U20’s and need some extra development. Due to me and Ebony being too old at the end of this season for TDG, around May we have the chance to be selected for England U20s trial. This is something we are both striving for and are loving that the College programme gives us a platform to train, play and work on aspects of our game that we will need to make the next step.”

The Exeter College Women’s Rugby Academy in partnership with Exeter Chiefs started in September 2016 and has made outstanding progress in its first year. This academic year the squad have entered the RFU AASE League, AoC Sport Cup, AoC Sport Regional 7’s Competition and Rosslyn Park 7’s. The girls are also encouraged to maintain playing for their local teams at the weekends.

The partnership with Exeter Chiefs has given the programme real credibility with the girls benefitting from wearing Chiefs kit for fixtures, Academy Manager Robin Cowling delivering front row specific sessions and David Kimberley gaining CPD sessions and coaching support.The current squad also have the opportunity to access up to 8 hours of coaching, Strength & Conditioning, video analysis and individual skills support, timetable permitting.

In addition to the College programme there are opportunities for aspiring players to gain additional sessions through our partnership with The University of Exeter. Jo Yapp, ex-England international player, current England U20 coach and head coach at the university provide the girls with extra training sessions along with Poppy Leitch, an ex-student of Exeter College who has played for England in the Six Nations championship, as well as guest coaching sessions and positional specific support.

Early recruitment signs from College Open events and our Open Session on Wednesday 25th January at Exeter Chiefs for September 2017 are very encouraging and we hope to have a squad of around 25 players. Click Here for more information on the Exeter Chiefs Academy at Exeter College.