Chiefs included in England Rugby pathway camp

Six Exeter Chiefs Academy players have been selected in the fourth annual England Rugby men’s pathway front five development camp.

Taking place at Loughborough University on Friday, 25 September, the three-day camp focus on developing scrum and lineout expertise as well as putting a focus on skillset refinement.

The six Chiefs-affiliated players included represent Exeter College and Truro College. Props Clark Faber, Ben Smith and Oliver Tichias join hooker Theo McKay with back-five duo Harry Friggens and Jeremy Keys.

The 26-player squad will receive position-specific training as well as nutrition and psychology support from a collection of coaches from across the pathway and senior environments.

Jonathan Pendlebury, England U20s men’s assistant coach and lead coach for the camp, said: “With dedicated scrum, lineout and forwards coaching, camps like this give us valuable time to focus on the detail and expose players to different coaching approaches, while tailoring the programme to each player’s development.

“It’s about challenging the players, refining their skillsets and giving them exposure to expertise that will support the next steps in their development towards future England teams.

“Ultimately, we want them to leave the camp with great understanding, sharper skills and a clear sense of how they can continue to progress.”