Exeter College - Women

Women’s Rugby at Exeter College

Exeter College and Exeter Chiefs

The partnership between Exeter Chiefs and Exeter College provides aspiring rugby players the chance to nurture not only their rugby talent, but also receive first-class education and training with the Allianz Premiership Academy coaching staff. With twenty-six alumni students currently on the Chiefs playing roster (14 Men & 12 Women), our success speaks for itself.

Exeter College is a large, thriving tertiary college which places teaching, learning and student success as their top priority and have a sector leading reputation.

An award-winning, world class college, it was rated as Ofsted ‘Outstanding’ in 2022, under the new robust framework. Their vision is to shape the future by delivering excellence to realise the ambitions of their learners, city and region.

The 2024/25 academic year was a strong year for results. A Level students achieved an excellent 99.52% pass rate, well above the national average of 97.4%. Among the many highlights, an impressive 23 A Level subjects achieved a flawless 100% pass rate. Students completing technical and applied Advanced Level programmes achieved a 99.3% pass rate. The College also celebrated the success of its alumni, with an impressive 87% of former students who graduated from Russell Group universities in 2023/24 achieving a first-class or upper second-class honours degree.

Exeter College is also named as best in the South West for employer satisfaction in Apprenticeships. As an organisation, nationally they are in The Sunday Times Best Places to Work in the UK 2025, in the big organisation category.

Students can choose from a range of academic courses and have the rugby programme imbedded in their timetable to complement those choices. The programme caters for players from 16-18 and new for 2023-24 is our Foundation Degree in Coaching and Fitness (for 18+ years) certificated by the University of Exeter. This is a two-year programme with a progression option into Year Two on the Exercise and Sports Science Course at the University. Studying on this course will allow individuals the opportunity to study at the College and to train and compete in BUCS competitions for the University. This is an Invaluable opportunity for those aspiring players looking for a HE qualification whilst exploring playing opportunities with Exeter Chiefs and the University of Exeter.

Our DiSE (Diploma in Sporting Excellence) provides additional opportunities for aspiring players selected from our performance trial process in their transition from secondary education. This additional qualification in learners’ timetables, covers the tactical, technical and team aspects of rugby along with full conditioning, nutritional programmes and detailed team and individual analysis delivery. Once completed it is worth up to 64 UCAS points in addition to student’s main course choices.

Exeter College Women’s Rugby Programme

The College play in the RFU ACE league and also compete in the AoC Sport competitions providing opportunities for players at all levels.

Each academic year our Rugby Academy has a cohort of players encompassing first and second year students, allowing us to field two teams on a Wednesday afternoon. We play in a variety of competitions run by the RFU and AoC Sport, with the ECRFU being its constituent body.

The programme is blessed to have coaches from the club and the college combining to provide an outstanding standard of delivery which allows a professional approach underpinned by an educational environment. 

College Staff

The College is also fortunate to have teachers who are allocated hours to not only support the programme, but further enhance it:

David Kimberley – Rugby Academy Lead

Steve Perry - Coach and DiSE Tutor

Lewis Garen - Sports Therapy Lead

Coaches Information 

• Poppy Leitch (Exeter Chiefs U23 Programme Lead)
• Emily Robinson
• Flo Robinson
• Emily Tuttosi
• Alex Tessier
• Abby Middlebrooke

All these coaches have a fantastic pedigree and are still involved at various clubs in the National leagues. The line-up of coaches and experience they bring to the programme ensure the highest quality of education is matched in its Rugby Development.

For more information on the programme and application requirements please contact: [email protected]

Mission Statement

The Exeter College Rugby Academy is focused on producing rugby players for the Premier 15’s and beyond.

Exeter College Academy is committed to producing players of the future through early identification (Centre of Excellence), development and dedicating time to the 'best players' leading to Premier 15s and national honours.

By developing the person and leaders the 'Player' will follow.

Along with maintaining a balanced approach to achieving ambitions within the game, players will also be supported in avenues of life outside the game.

Motivated and intelligent staff with growing expertise in their particular field ensure the Academy not only continues to produce a high calibre person and player, but also provides the environment for future innovation, research and methods that will keep the Academy motivated and moving forward in line with the demands of modern-day professional sport at international levels.