Exeter College is celebrating the ongoing strengthening of their partnership with Exeter Chiefs, a cornerstone in developing young rugby talent in the region. This collaboration is crucial for nurturing aspiring players and enhancing the pathway from grassroots to professional rugby. As the Chiefs begin the new rugby season, with over 25 alumni players selected for the men’s and women’s teams, it is a fitting time to acknowledge this alliance. 

Speaking with Rob Baxter, Director of Rugby at Exeter Chiefs, he emphasised the importance of the partnership:  

“Exeter College is a hugely important part of our ongoing success. Not only because they are one of our academy centres, making them a hub and focal point for aspiring young players, but also because we’ve got some ex-Exeter Chiefs players there who are involved in a great coaching set-up. This arrangement ensures continuity and fosters a strong connection between the College and the club.” 

Baxter highlighted the benefits of this collaboration, noting the alignment of coaching techniques and philosophies between the two institutions.  

“The crossover of coaching and techniques teaches our young players what we want them to develop. The College set-up itself is very well supported by John Laramy as principal, all the way down through the coaching teams. We’re delighted with the facility improvements which are going to be happening across the next couple of years, as it will allow us to really build a fantastic sporting hub as part of the College.” 

Chris Wall, Sports Academy Manager at Exeter College, also praised the partnership’s success in developing players for professional rugby, demonstrated by the number of players now on the Chiefs roster.

“Our long-standing partnership with Exeter Chiefs has seen many alumni learners make the transition to play for the club. The College’s outstanding academic provision, breadth of course choice, as well as outstanding pass rates and retention figures, mean that Exeter College provides an excellent grounding, allowing young men and women to link full-time education with their rugby ambitions. 

“Our rugby players train a minimum of three times a week, under the guidance of Chiefs Academy staff and full-time lecturers, play in quality fixtures and can access Sports Therapy support, strength and conditioning and video analysis.” 

Wall added, “Currently, 27 male and female players on the Chiefs playing roster have come through the College, an outstanding strike rate considering the demands of the Premiership and Premier XV competitions. Our new Foundation Degree in Coaching and Fitness (FdSc) further strengthens opportunities for players to study here post-18 and play for the University of Exeter in the BUCs competition.” 

Both Exeter Chiefs and Exeter College are enthusiastic about the future, particularly with the upcoming developments in rugby facilities at the College and the strengthening of the College’s offer through the Coaching and Fitness Degree. These improvements are set to enhance training and development opportunities, supporting the next generation of rugby stars. 

“I can only see Exeter College providing more and more young, talented players. We have a great pathway now, right through from a very young age group to schools, into colleges and they are now linked very progressively into the University of Exeter. All of this means we’re getting a very solid foundation in place for ensuring ongoing success for the region, the college, the university, and for Exeter Chiefs,” Baxter concluded. 

The partnership continues to flourish, offering a robust and comprehensive pathway for young athletes, integrating education and elite sports training, and promising to produce more talented players for the future. 

Find out more about the Exeter Chiefs Rugby Academy at Exeter College by attending an Open Event.