Exeter College and Exeter Chiefs celebrate strengthened partnership

Exeter College and Exeter Chiefs are celebrating after strengthening their ongoing partnership to foster young rugby talent in the region.

Their collaboration seeks to nurture aspiring players and enhance the pathway from grassroots to professional rugby.

As the Chiefs kick off the new rugby season with over 25 alumni players selected for the men's and women's teams, both institutions have agreed that it is a perfect time to acknowledge their alliance.

Rob Baxter, Director of Rugby at Exeter Chiefs, said:

"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."

Noting the harmony of their coaching techniques and philosophies, he added:

"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."

Above: Image: Exeter College

Chris Wall, Sports Academy Manager at Exeter College, also praised the partnership's success:

"Our long-standing partnership with Exeter Chiefs has seen many alumni learners make the transition to play for the club. 

“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.

“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."

Exeter Chiefs and Exeter College have said that they are enthusiastic about the future, particularly due to upcoming developments in the college’s rugby facilities.

Rob concluded: "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.”

You can find out more about the academy here.