Tom spreads word of the Chiefs

By Mark Stevens

Exeter Chiefs Community Coach Tom Viljoen is one of six representatives Premiership Rugby have sent over to Philadelphia to help deliver specialist coaching sessions at the Collegiate Rugby Championship.

The trip supported by USA Sevens and British Airways has enabled the six coaches to join them at the tournament to deliver top class coaching focusing on attack, defence and contact.

Ahead of two American teams travelling to Twickenham for the World Club 7s on 17 and 18 August, there will also be a coaching clinic introduction to 7s geared towards college coaches and players.

The coaches representing Premiership Rugby clubs from around England include Scott Watson, Programme Development Manager, Premiership Rugby; David Wilks, Academy Coach, Sale Sharks; Ross Stewart, Academy Coach, Northampton Saints; Simon Monaghan, Community Manager, Gloucester Rugby; Owain Davies, Community Coach, Saracens and, of course, our very own Tom.

Scott Watson commented: "Following our initial visit to the Collegiate Rugby Championship in 2012, it will be a great experience to be part of the championship for a second time. Rugby is a sport which is growing extremely quickly in the USA and we will look forward to coaching some of the USA's top college rugby talent including passing on tips to coaches to develop the game even further.

"It will also be interesting to see some of the top American 7s players in action before they come to Twickenham for the World Club 7s in August. "

Dan Lyle, Executive Vice President, USA Sevens added: "It's great that Premiership Rugby are here for their second visit and should be a busy few days for them."

"It's a fantastic opportunity for our coaches here in the United States to learn and share best practice from coaches working in the Aviva Premiership. The partnership with Premiership Rugby does two things: brings expertise from the best domestic club competition in the world for our coaches to learn from and extends the Premiership Rugby brand through clubs and creates a legacy in the USA through to the Rugby World Cup in 2015."

The Aviva Premiership Rugby Trophy will also be making an appearance at the PPL Park Stadium. Fans will be able to have their photograph taken alongside one of the most sought after trophies in club rugby, recently won by 2013 champions, Leicester Tigers.