Development XV to face Exmouth

By Mark Stevens
24/8/2016

England international Tom Johnson has been named in an Exeter Chiefs Development XV to face Exmouth in a pre-season fixture at the Imperial Ground on Thursday night (6:45pm).

The 34-year-old forward lines-up in an Exeter side, which also features the likes of Shaun Malton, Josh Caulfield, Ben White and summer signing Sean Lonsdale.

The remainder of the visiting squad will be made up of guest players from Exeter University, Exeter College, Cornish Pirates and Taunton Titans.

Skills coach Ricky Pellow will oversee the Chiefs line-up and the Cornishman is expecting it to be a worthwhile test for his team.

“We’ve been going down to Exmouth for a number of years now and it’s a good test for our guys,” he said. “For a lot of these young guys it’s a good opportunity to test themselves in senior rugby against a National League side.

“Obviously we’ve added a bit of experience in the mix with the likes of TJ, Ben White (pictured) and Shaun Malton and I’m expecting those three in particular to lead from the front.”

The Cockles, meanwhile, are set to welcome back a number of players who have missed recent pre0season games, including former Chief Tom Bedford, who made his first team debut for Exeter at the age of just 17.

Second rows Milo Reynolds and Jack Fahy have passed fitness tests and should feature, while new signing Jim Massey could also be involved.

Exmouth head coach Jon Hill said: “We are delighted to welcome the Chiefs to the Imperial Ground for what will be the fourth year running.

“The Chiefs squad is huge nowadays and is packed with quality throughout. The work of the academy has certainly come to fruition and I’ve no doubt it will continue to produce and nurture future international and Premiership players.

“The club’s success in Europe, the LV Cup and in the A League show just how much depth there is within the wider squad, coupled with partnerships with the University and College teams, who have all gained various championships in their respective competitions.

“We are grateful to Academy Manager Robin Cowling for allowing us to sign Aaron Thompson on dual registration for the season and hope that we can give him some game time and experience of National League Rugby as part of his development.”

Entry is £5 for adults and is free for Under-16s.

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CHIEFS DEVELOPMENT XV TO FACE EXMOUTH

15 Taniela Naduva (Guest)

14 Kieran Kelly (Exeter University)

13 Tom Holdsworth (Exeter University)

12 Pete Laverick (Exeter Chiefs/Exeter University)

11 Alex O’Meara (Cornish Pirates)

10 Laurence May (Cornish Pirates)

9 Joe Snow (Exeter College)

1 Tom Rhodes (Exeter University)

2 Shaun Malton (Exeter Chiefs)

3 Jack Owlett (Exeter University)

4 Josh Caulfield (Exeter Chiefs)

5 Sean Lonsdale (Exeter Chiefs)

6 Ben White (Exeter Chiefs)

7 Charlie Wright (Exeter College)

8 Tom Johnson (Exeter Chiefs)

 

16 Dan Frost (Taunton)

17 Marcus Street (Exeter College)

18 Elliott Roofe (Exeter University)

19 Sam Daily (Apprentice)

20 Dan Swain (Apprentice)

21 George McCrea (Exeter University)

22 Matt Marsh (Guest)

23 Bar Bartlett (Cornish Pirates)

24 Jamie George (Exeter University)

25 Jamie Willcock (Exeter University)