Exeter Chiefs and Exeter College Strengthen Partnership to Foster Young Rugby Talent

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.”

A group of female and male rugby players and coaches stand in front of Sandy Park.

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.”

A group of female and male rugby players and coaches stand in front of the Exeter Chiefs coach at Sandy Park.

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.

South West Female Players Dominate England U18 Rugby Selection

The Exeter College Women’s Rugby Academy has beaten its own record, with six players being selected to represent England in the U18 squad. Last year, the Academy, in partnership with Exeter Chiefs sent five players to the three-day training camps.

The Exeter College Women’s Rugby Academy teams have had a fantastic season so far, just like their professional counterparts. Exeter Chiefs have just secured their place in the Premiership Rugby Cup Final and Exeter Chiefs Women’s side are maintaining their hot streak in the Allianz Premier 15s, having recently won against the Sharks.

So far this season the Academy players have been working as hard off the pitch as they have on it. A concerted effort to improve their strength and conditioning, with some excellent guidance from Harry Wright and the Chiefs coaching team at the Centre of Excellence, has meant a big impact on the pitch.

Players representing squads from all over Devon were selected, with the final six being:

Josie Plant (Exeter Chiefs, Exeter)

Lilly Plowman (Crediton, Exeter)

Kayleigh Priest (Exeter College, Exeter)

Hannah Sams (Ivybridge, Exeter)

Lucy Ward (Exeter College, Exeter)

Ellie Wood (Sidmouth, Exeter)

David Kimberley, Women’s Rugby Academy Coach at Exeter College said;

“The women’s selection for the England Talent Development Group is down to a dedicated attitude, undeniable potential and being part of two excellent programmes in Exeter College Sports Academy and the Exeter Chiefs Centre of Excellence. The partnership between club and college is allowing many young players to flourish in a well-managed environment.

“All players have gone from strength to strength during their time at Exeter College and their selection is down to a work ethic and desire to be the best they can be. Finally, they are supported by amazing teammates, clubs, parents and volunteers who should all be thanked in these early stages of their rugby journey, and we are delighted for them.”

Ellie Wood, selected for the England U18 women’s rugby squad

Ellie Wood is studying BTEC Sport and is hoping to pursue a professional career in rugby. She said;

“What drew me to the course was the time you get with the academy and how you get allocated Wednesdays to play fixtures. It also involves quite a lot of coursework which works better for me.

“We’ve had loads of fixtures this year and performed really well and had some trips away which has been great and the facilities at college are brilliant.”

Lucy Ward has only been playing rugby for four years and is excited about the opportunities this selection may bring. She said;

“I think it will open my eyes to professional sport and help me further my knowledge and it will be good to get to know everyone else on the squad.”

With rugby in the South West being at the peak of the game, it is no surprise that the Academy’s partnership with the Exeter Chiefs goes from strength to strength and these players are benefitting from that expertise.

Lucy Ward is excited about the opportunities this selection may bring.

Susie Appleby, former English female rugby union player and Women’s Head Coach for the Exeter Chiefs women’s side, said:

“It’s great that the pathway for female players in Exeter is mirroring the men’s pathway. The calibre of players graduating from the college is excellent and to have six players representing England at Under 18s level is fantastic. These players are our future and I’m excited to get them involved with us and see where they can take us.”

England’s player pathway programme – of which the women’s U18 is an important part – is a vital development tool for future international rugby and growth of the women’s game, especially during a new era ahead of a home 2025 Rugby World Cup.

Chris Wall, Sports Academy Manager at Exeter College said;

“We are extremely proud of the girls who have been selected. The environment and culture the students and coaches are installing, based around enjoyment and hard work, is creating opportunities for players to start thinking about reaching their potential. Having had five girls selected last season and six this academic year, shows the lengths we are going to in providing the best possible training and playing opportunities we can. This is a testament to the growth of the game, rugby clubs in the area, performance pathway opportunities such as Devon DPP, the Centre of Excellence and our continued effort to work in partnership alongside Exeter Chiefs to strive for excellence.”

The Exeter College Diploma in Sporting Excellence (DiSE) programme is run through the College’s 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. Find out more.

Exeter College Announced as England Rugby Partner College

Exeter College is delighted to announce it has been successful in becoming 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.

John Laramy CBE, Principal and Chief Executive at Exeter College, said;

“We are thrilled to have been announced as an England Rugby Partner College. Our team work incredibly hard to provide training, management, and opportunities for our young rugby players and this is the next step in making sure our provision is exceptional.

“We have a fantastic partnership with the Exeter Chiefs, with our women and men’s rugby academies ensuring our young people are trained in a safe, inclusive environment and are given incredible opportunities. This was the natural next step to ensure we are delivering an outstanding rugby provision to young people in the South West.”

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. The partnership will be player-centred, developing young people through the college journey, whilst using the vehicle of rugby to shape positive on and off field behaviours. It is an inclusive provision, providing rugby for all skills, motivations, and genders.

Chris Wall, Sports Academy Manager at Exeter College, said;

“This partner status is great recognition of all the hard work we are doing around our rugby programme at Exeter College. We are looking forward to collaborating with the RFU to introduce new players to the game of rugby and to support talented players on their chosen pathway.

“This is a reflection of all the hard work of our staff over a number of years in providing such a quality product. Our active role within ECRFU (England College RFU), has allowed us to play a pivotal role in shaping the game for our learners and all students across the FE sector. We hope this ‘Partner College status’ will further underpin our provision and enhance identified areas for improvement, continuing to grow our rugby offer for our student population.

“We are incredibly proud of our provision and believe our values align with those of the RFU to produce well-rounded learners who are confident, resilient, and aspirational while teaching respect, teamwork and discipline, plus enjoying the game too!”

To find out more visit Exeter Chiefs Rugby Academy.

Exeter College Women’s Rugby Assessment Evening

Elite Rugby Programme at Exeter College – Partnered with Exeter Chiefs

Join us on Wednesday 30 November to take part in our Assessment Evening.

Are you interested in being part of one of the best female rugby academies in the country?

Would you like the opportunity to study full time on a BTEC or A Level programme whilst training as part of your timetable?

You will benefit from:

Regular strength and conditioning and analysis sessions with trained professionals
Highly experienced and qualified coaching staff including current Exeter Chiefs players and international players
Direct links to Premier 15’s Rugby and Apprenticeship opportunities and professional relationship with Exeter University
Weekly fixtures in the most competitive U18 competition in the country.

We create international players year on year and have great representation at England TDG Camps.

There is DiSE opportunity for selected high-level performers.

To book a place on the Assessment Evening please contact Chris Wall via email on chriswall@exe-coll.ac.uk

Find out more about the Exeter Chiefs Rugby Academy.

Exeter College Women’s Rugby Scores Big with England U18 Selection

Women’s Rugby in England is in an exceptionally good place, Women’s Rugby in Exeter is not only in a good place but breaking down barriers and making waves.

Riding that wave is the Exeter College Women’s Rugby Academy, in partnership with Exeter Chiefs. The Exeter College Women’s Rugby Academy teams are nearly unbeaten this season. They have won the Rosslyn Park 7’s, and as South West Champions will go to the Association of Colleges National Colleges Championships to represent the region. Recently they narrowly missed out against Hartpury in the England Colleges Rugby Football Union (ECRFU) Showcase Finals Day.

“It is an incredibly exciting time to be a female rugby player in Exeter.”
Susie Appleby – Women’s Head Coach for the Exeter Chiefs women’s side

With Exeter Chiefs currently in 3^rd position and in the hunt for the play-off spots in the Allianz Premier 15’s and unbeaten in the Allianz Cup, it is no wonder that rugby in the South West is going from strength to strength.

Susie Appleby, former English female rugby union player and now Women’s Head Coach for the Exeter Chiefs women’s side, said:

“It is an incredibly exciting time to be a female rugby player in Exeter. Since forming the Exeter Chiefs women’s team, the Exeter College women’s programme has really grown in status and levels of performance. We have a really good relationship with Dave Kimberley and Eilidh Sinclair, and the fact we now have 5 players in the England Under 18s squad speaks for itself. The future is bright.”

With five students from the Exeter College Women’s Rugby Academy chosen to represent England in the U18’s, things are only set to get better. Daisy Womack, 18, is one of these women. With training and studying full time she has a lot on her plate, but she says it is worth it.

“I think for a lot of us girls, it has been a dream since we were younger, but it is now becoming more realistic, and it’s been a really good experience. College has given us a more professional environment where we are training most days, with access to the gym and great coaches and that has really helped.”

Chris Wall, Academy Manager says the future is exciting; “With the Centre of Excellence run by Patricia Garcia and our Women’s Academy Lead Dave Kimberley, as well as the clubs new academy structure, this creates the infrastructure to identify and nurture local players. In turn, this creates a bigger pool of players which can enjoy rugby, develop, and thrive in the Exeter area. With the current partnership and collective vision, the sky is the limit!”

Abby Middlebrooke is living proof that this partnership works. Having started her college journey on a Sport BTEC, then an apprenticeship and now studying for a Coaching and Fitness Degree – she has done all this alongside representing Devon and South West rugby teams before moving on to England U18’s, Exeter Chiefs, Cullompton RFC and now England U20’s.

Speaking about her progression, she says; “When I came to the College, the course involved training every day and doing analysis, which replicated the life of a professional rugby player. This was much better than before, when I was only training once or twice a week at grassroots level. This kickstarted my physical progression as well as learning a lot more about rugby, specifically about my position. There was also a lot more exposure to the England coaches because of playing fixtures up and down the country and we were playing against a much higher standard.”