The Exeter Chiefs Rugby Academy Team at Exeter College has returned home after successfully representing England at a coveted international contest.

The team was requested to represent the England RFU at the Sanix World U18 Rugby Tournament, held on the island of Kyushu in Japan. The students played teams from the very best young rugby players from across the globe during the competition, widely seen as the pinnacle of the sport for schoolboy rugby.

During the tour, the students played teams from around the world including Australia, Japan, and Taiwan. Overall, the team returned having won four and lost two games one of which was literally the very last play of the game! The result was they finished in 9th position overall. As well as the training and intense competition on the field of play, the students also participated in a number of cultural activities during their trip – providing a real insight into Japanese culture.

John Laramy, Exeter College Principal, said: “I am thrilled that our 16-18 Rugby team has performed so well in Japan and benefitted from the experience as a whole.

“The team has been a real credit to the college and to the RFU. This is a great example of the power of partnership and I am sure that as we continue to work closely with Exeter Chiefs, more international success will follow.

“I would like to thank the coaches and teaching staff who have guided and trained the team and congratulate the players for a stunning success in our very first international tournament.

“Companies like South West Comms made this trip possible, so my final thanks goes to the businesses and local sports teams who supported the trip and the parents involved who have been brilliant!”

On one of their rest days, the students played touch rugby with local children, teaching them the game. During another rest day, the team visited the site and museum of the Nagasaki Atomic Bomb, described as a very moving experience. They also had the opportunity to visit a community centre to find out more about the culture of ‘cat doll’s’, as well as being taught how to make sushi.

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