Exeter College

The partnership between Exeter Chiefs and Exeter College provides aspiring rugby players to get the chance to nurture not only their rugby talent, but also first-class education and training with the Gallagher Premiership Academy club coaching and teaching staff. 

Exeter College is a large, thriving and growing tertiary college which places teaching, learning and student success as our top priority. We enjoy an excellent regional reputation.The College was judged as outstanding by Ofsted in a pilot 'no notice' inspection in 2012, and again in a full inspection in 2014. We were awarded the Times Educational Supplement 'Outstanding Provider of the Year' in 2012 and BTEC College of the Year in 2014.

The college saw its best ever A Level results in 2016. Our A Level pass rate was 99.8%, with 54% of A Level students gaining the very highest grads A*, A and B grades.

Students can choose the academic route they desire and the rugby programme is designed to complement those choices. 

The programme caters for players from 16-18 and 18-20 years. The rugby training links in around the students chosen academic path. Students have full access to full time coaches and strength & conditioning staff.

This provides students the opportunities to cover the tactical, technical and team aspects of rugby along with full conditioning, nutritional programmes and detailed team and individual analysis delivery. The full time coaching staff also provide individual skills and mentoring to suit the student commitments. 

The College play in the RFU AASE league and also complete in the AoC Sport competitions providing opportunities for players at all levels and four players in the 2017-18 England Under 18 squads. Amazingly 10 players from the college in 2018 received full time Academy contracts.

Rugby Apprenticeships 

The College has eight full-time Rugby Apprentices in the 2018/19 season. The players are linked with the club. Some are loaned to feeder clubs and all undergo education through the college and gain a wealth of experience in coaching with the Chiefs Community Department and receive specialist one on one training along with team based activities. The program is designed to provide opportunities within the game and prepares for life outside of rugby. 

In 2017/18 all apprentices received the offers of full time Academy contracts including 2 non-playing apprentices who are now working full time at the club in the Analysis Department.

Coaches Information 

Sam Morton 

Sam overseas the whole coaching programme. Sam's specialty is forwards and defence. Sam is also throwing coach for the Exeter Chiefs, Braves and Senior Chiefs Forwards Coach. 

Marc Dibble 

Marc organises the U18 programmes throughout the Academy which provides the perfect link between DPP, College & Club.

Ruairi Cushion

Ruairi provides the experience and expertise in the attack & skill department. His experience from an extensive professional playing career is now being handed down to the talented backs within the programme.

Keith Brooking

Keith is another ex-player who provides a wealth of experience especially in the forwards. Keith also runs the DPP programme. Keith played nearly 200 games for the Chiefs. Keith's knowledge of the arts of front row are second to none.

Rich Middleton

Rich heads up the Strength & Conditioning along with providing support for injured players and nutritional and supplement guidance.

Harry Wright

Harry Supports Rich Middleton in the Strength & Conditioning and specialises in return to play from injury phases. Harry is also head of S&C for the DPP programme run from the college base. Harry is an ex-college student and has recently finished his degree at Cardiff.

College Staff

The College is also fortunate to have Jon Hill, Jon Fabian, Chris Frankland, Steve Perry and Ross Morshead coaching the teams also. All these coaches have a fantastic pedigree and are still involved at various clubs in the National leagues. In reality the line-up of coaches and experience they can bring to the students at the college is outstanding. For more information on the program and application requirements please contact: chriswall@exe-coll.ac.uk