DPP Programme

The Developing Player Programme (DPP) has a proud history of developing players who have progressed onto the Premiership and International stage. 

These include the likes of Jack Nowell, Luke Cowan Dickie (both Cornwall DPP), Stu Townsend, Henry Slade and Dave Ewers (all Devon DPP) to name but a few. 

There is a constant stream of talent being produced by the DPP programme with many of the latest academy crop of players coming through including Jack Maunder and Joe Simmonds (Devon DPP) and Max Bodilly and Tom Hendrickson (Cornwall DPP). 

The DPP works closely with Devon and Cornwall schools to highlight players, across both Counties, who have potential to play to a County level, Elite Player Development Group (EPDG) and potential Exeter Chiefs Academy and England inclusion. 

Marc Dibble and Rich Siveter manage the DPP programme for Devon and Cornwall. 

Exeter Chiefs Academy Coach Ruairi Cushion is the Head Coach of the programme, working closely with regional coaches across Devon and Cornwall, as well as Assistant Academy manager, Academy Coach and first team Skills coach Ricky Pellow, who runs the EPDG. 

The core Devon DPP squads train twice a month at Sandy Park, similarly in Cornwall, there are also separate centres across the region running core sessions monthly. 

Both Counties come together twice a season at Sandy Park to run Competitive festivals in order to assess player progression and highlight stand out players across the regions. DPP players can, if selected, represent their County teams at U15 and U16.

In addition they can represent the Exeter Chiefs Academy at U15 & U16, playing against other Premiership Academies and DPP’s from across the country. 

The Player pathway for progression can develop from DPP to the Elite player Development Group (EPDG) and from here possible full Academy selection. 

The EDPG programme is for players selected by Academy staff and runs for ages 14 to 17. 

Key Contacts 

Marc Dibble – Devon DPP Programme Manager – marcdibble@exeterchiefs.co.uk / 07595 499298 

Rich Siveter – Cornwall DPP Programme Manager – richsiveter@hotmail.com / 07540 369300