Students from Exeter Chiefs Rugby Academy at Exeter College are representing England at a prestigious international tournament in Japan.

The Sanix World Rugby Youth Invitational tournament is being hosted by the Japan Rugby Football Union at the Global Arena on the island of Kyushu.

Exeter College’s team is the only UK college, or school, team to take part in this prestigious event, described as the pinnacle of the sport for schoolboy rugby.

Participation is by invitation only with the overseas schools selected by their respective unions to represent their country.

The RFU’s objective is to select a competitive and quality team to fly the flag for the country against some of the best teams in the world.

John Laramy, Exeter College Principal and Chief Executive, said: “As a college, our vision is to exceptional, so for our rugby team to be asked by England Rugby to represent England, in an international tournament, is I believe, the ‘exceptional’ in action.

“We aim for excellence in all aspects of college life and this tournament in Japan is yet another example of staff, students, parents and sponsors all working together to make something happen.

“I would like to congratulate the students on this achievement, thank the staff involved for their commitment and add a special thanks to the parents and sponsors for their support – without which this trip would not have taken place.”

Brian Lodge, SW Comms’ Managing Director, said: “The South West has a proud history of providing teams for this tournament. Jack Nowell, Sam Hill and Dave Ewers, of Exeter Chiefs, have all taken part in the past. It is testament to the quality of the Exeter College team that it has been selected to represent England in 2018.”

Sam Morton, Academy Coach, said: “We are delighted and honoured to have been selected to participate in this world class competition. The support of the sponsors is invaluable in making this all come together. Putting our college-based players on the world stage is a once in a lifetime experience for them. We are working hard to ensure we do the college and country proud.”

The Sanix World Rugby Youth Invitational Tournament is running from April 29 to May 6.

The College would also like to thank sponsors SW Comms', LWS Interior Solutions, Mortimers Jewellers, DFP Wealth Management and Unleashed Web for their support.