Foundation Phase and Development Phase

Background

Exeter Chiefs Rugby Academy is one of the 11 regional RFU academies. The Exeter Chiefs Rugby Academy boundaries include Devon and Cornwall. 

The boys pathway is governed by the Professional Game Partnership and involves the RFU and Premiership Rugby working closely together. The responsibility for player development has been given to the Premiership academy system so it aligns to the top of the pyramid and ultimately the Premiership. The purpose of each academy is to produce players for the Premiership and England. 

The U17 and U18 Age Grade Pathway comprises of the Development Phase.

Foundation Phase - U15 and U16

The Foundation Phase is the first entry level point to the pathway and will include U15 and U16 age groups. It replaces what was previously known as DPP.

Key outputs:

• Dedicated professional coaching deliver by Exeter Chiefs Academy Staff
• Foster regional relationships
• Structured contact time
• National Curriculum 
• U15 intra competitive opportunities
• U16 intra and inter regional academy opportunities
• Volunteer coach development

We will run regionally based session, to minimise travel time, throughout the season focusing on identifying players with potential and developing the skills and traits of these players. Sessions will be delivered by a mixture of full time Academy staff supported by identified part-time coaches. The phase will develop the athletic skills as well as the core rugby skills in line with the Chiefs philosophy and national curriculum.

Playing opportunities for the U15 groups will be limited to internal games and festivals that allow the academy to run something bespoke for their players. At U16 level, these internal opportunities will continue with some external games and festivals added in.

How are players eligible for selection into the Foundation Phase?

To be eligible for selection into the Foundation Phase, a player must fulfil one of the following criteria:

1. Have their permanent home address located in our region
2. Have their permanent school address located in our region
3. Be registered on GMS as a player at a rugby club in our region

Nomination / Selection Process

Exeter Chiefs Rugby Academy will now run a significantly different U15 Foundation programme. There will be significantly reduced numbers but outcomes of player production will increase.

Clubs will be contacted at the start of the 2025-26 season via email by the Foundation Phase Manager to nominate players to enter the initial trial process.

It is reminded that players can enter the pathway at any time and at no stage is the door closed. Staff will increase the viewing programmes in clubs and schools. 

Nominated players will undertake a unit-based assessment and from there, selected players will then be invited to a game based assessment. Following on from that, selected players will start the programme in February.

Once the player has completed the U15 Foundation year, re-selection will take place for those going into the U16 programme.