Exeter Chiefs Rugby Academy
Are you an aspiring rugby talent of the future?
If so, apply to join the men’s Exeter College Rugby Academy in partnership with Chiefs and follow in the stud marks of your rugby heroes. Aspiring rugby players will get the chance to nurture not only their rugby talent, but also get first-class education and training.
The Rugby Academy at Exeter College in partnership with Exeter Chiefs will provide education and rugby training required to support learners to reach the highest level in the sport. The programme caters for players from 16-18 years, for women and men. The deadline for applications to this academy is 9th February 2024.
You will need to gain the required grades/entry criteria for your chosen full time college course. Once you have applied for your college course, you will be given the option to apply for an academy within the application system. You can apply online. The deadline for applications for this academy is 9th February 2024. You will be called for an interview for your academic course with a member of staff from your chosen faculty. You will also be asked to supply references from your coach to support your application.
Fees and other costs will be discussed at the trial event.
If you have further questions please feel free to contact our staff below:
Chris Wall – Sports Academy Manager
Email: chriswall@exe-coll.ac.uk
Phone: 01392 400309
Sam McMaster – Residential Accommodation Coordinator
Phone: 01392 400990
Exeter College Men’s Rugby Academy DiSE Programme
The Exeter College DiSE programme is run in partnership with Exeter Chiefs and is an RFU endorsed scheme for 16-18 year old’s, requiring 12 hours per week of Rugby specific delivery alongside student’s full-time course. Selected students can choose to study a Level 3 BTEC National Diploma in Sport, Sports and Exercise Science, or a choice of A Levels.
Once completed it is worth up to 64 UCAS points in addition to student’s main course choices. It has been designed specifically support young aspirational performers, understand what it takes to be a full-time athlete and provide them with the skills and knowledge.
- 12 hours of contact time each week
- Strength & Conditioning Provision
- 1 on 1 input and development planning
- Outstanding coaching
- Nutritional Support
- Opportunity to play at the Colleges new state of the art Oil Mill Lane Facility
- Unique opportunity to showcase your aptitude and skill with Premiership Rugby a possible pathway
- Technical and tactical elements of Rugby
- Game analysis and positional feedback
- Rehabilitation and recovery
- Lifestyle and wellbeing
- Nutrition
- Culture, values and behaviours
Players are either identified by Exeter Chiefs through their talent ID processes or via their Sports Academy application and subsequent performance trial process in conjunction with Exeter Chiefs Academy Managers. An interview may be required depending on the volume and quality of applicants and academically you will be required to reach the entry criteria of your chosen course.
Students will gain support from their course tutor and DiSE mentor to explore transitional pathways to identify the best routes for them. There are a range of options available including Higher Education, employment, apprenticeships and further opportunities with Exeter Chiefs.
Exeter College Women’s Rugby Academy DiSE Programme in partnership with Exeter Chiefs
The Exeter College DiSE programme is run through our partnership with Exeter Chiefs and is an RFU endorsed scheme for 16-18 year old’s, requiring 12 hours per week of Rugby specific delivery alongside student’s full-time course. Selected students can choose to study a Level 3 BTEC National Diploma in Sport, Sports and Exercise Science, or a choice of A Levels.
Once completed it is worth up to 64 UCAS points in addition to student’s main course choices. It has been designed specifically support young aspirational performers, understand what it takes to be a full-time athlete and provide them with the skills and knowledge.
- 12 hours of contact time each week
- Strength & Conditioning Provision
- 1 on 1 input and development planning
- Outstanding coaching
- Nutritional Support
- Opportunity to play at the Colleges new state of the art Oil Mill Lane Facility
- Unique opportunity to showcase your aptitude and skill with Allianz Premier 15’s a possible pathway
- Technical and tactical elements of Rugby
- Game analysis and positional feedback
- Rehabilitation and recovery
- Lifestyle and wellbeing
- Nutrition
- Culture, values and behaviours
Players are either identified by Exeter Chiefs through their talent ID processes or via their Sports Academy application and subsequent performance trial process in conjunction with Exeter Chiefs Academy. An interview may be required depending on the volume and quality of applicants and academically you will be required to reach the entry criteria of your chosen course.
Students will gain support from their course tutor and DiSE mentor to explore transitional pathways to identify the best routes for them. There are a range of options available including Higher Education, employment, apprenticeships and further opportunities with Exeter Chiefs.
Exeter College has been selected as an England Rugby Partner College. The College is one of only eight colleges that have received partner status, and will act as a flagship college for the South West, representing the region nationally.
This partner status means that the College will need to adhere to several operating standards which will benefit the programme. This includes utilising the RFU’s coaches, match official training programme, advocating best practise and providing a safe and enjoyable environment for rugby.
Player Sponsorship
Some players choose to seek out sponsorship to help cover Rugby Academy fees. If you’re interested in sponsoring a player, please contact Sports Academy Manager Chris Wall on ChrisWall@exe-coll.ac.uk.
Current Player Sponsors 2020/21
Clara Grizzle-Johnson – KAS Cranes
Meet the Coaches
The Exeter College Rugby Academy within Exeter College is taught by our group of specialist coaches, helping you to develop your game in a truly professional environment. With a vast array of experience on and off the pitch, they can help you take the next steps of your career.
Professional Coaching
Our coaches are vastly experienced, with many having played and coached at a professional level.
Leading Facilities
Our facilities for sports students includes our state-of-the-art gym, as well as playing at our Exwick Sports Hub.
The Clock Tower Boarding Accommodation
We are extremely proud of our new accommodation provision which enables our Exeter College Rugby Academy students, in partnership with Exeter Chiefs, the opportunity to focus both on their academic studies and their training schedules. In addition to the support from the college tutors, students will receive 24 hour care by our dedicated accommodation team who will liaise both with tutors and parents, be an advocate, listen, guide, encourage and nurture to facilitate a positive accommodation experience.
