The Land of the Rising Sun awaits the arrival of Torquay Colts

Japan is the spring destination for three talented rugby players from Torquay Athletic Colts in the premier international schools’ festival.

Tom Bettesworth, Theo McKay and Ted Wakeham, who are all in the rugby academy at Exeter College, have been selected in the squad to travel next April. The 2026 SANIX Youth Rugby Tournament is held in the Fukuoka prefecture area of Japan every year and Exeter College was selected by England Rugby to represent England.

Jon Hill, the men's rugby academy Lead at Exeter College and former Exeter Chiefs player said: "Exeter College have a unique and amazing opportunity to represent the England RFU at a prestigious international youth rugby tournament, pitching ourselves against the best youth players in the world.

“This is a once in a lifetime opportunity and one that we intend to embrace, not just in terms of sport, but culturally. Tours like this often produce memories for life and can also serve as a great educational tool developing life skills and broadening player horizons.

“Japan is steeped in rich culture and traditions, and we have already highlighted some of these in our briefing with the students so that we can start to appreciate the opportunities that this may create.

“Moving forward, we have linked up with the Japanese Society at the University of Exeter, who are going to deliver a talk to our students on Japanese Culture and behavioural expectations. We cannot wait to get out there and to pitch ourselves against the best teams from around the world."

A squad of 30 students from Exeter College will travel to Japan along with a group of staff that includes former Exeter Chiefs players Jon Hill, Jon Fabian, Chris Wall and Marc Dibble. Current Exeter Chiefs Academy coaches Dibble, Aaron Jarvis (former Welsh international prop), Daniel Johnstone (S&C) and Ana Green (physio) form the travelling staff group.