Chiefs U18s finish season on a high with win at Finals Day

Exeter Chiefs’ Academy Under 18s side finished their 2025/26 season on a high with a win in their appearance at the PREM Rugby Next Gen finals day.

Hosted at Kingsholm Stadium, the concluding day of the league’s academy season pitted Chiefs against Northampton Saints’ U18s side in a fifth-versus-sixth play-off and the Exeter youngsters emerged victorious 47-28.

Junior academy manager Marc Dibble said: “We were in control for large parts of the game, despite a purple patch for Northampton early in the second half. We were good both sides of the ball, attacking with pace and scores came freely but that all came off the back of some outstanding defensive sets.

“The pleasing aspect was the spirit shown throughout the game from every single player. It truly was a squad effort, not only from the selected matchday squad but from the whole squad. The performance in the final was the coming together of the had work that the lads have put in over the last eight months.”

Academy manager Rob Gibson said: “I’d like to highlight the tireless efforts of the academy staff, from coaches to strength and conditioning, medical and administration for delivering what I think is the most complete U18 programme I have been a part of at the club.

“Their attention to detail, collaboration across the region, and expert delivery created an environment where players could truly thrive. The dedication behind the scenes translated directly into the performances on the pitch, forming the foundation of an exceptionally rewarding season.”

This season’s progressive approach to the academy programme combined U17s and U18s training, creating a seamless pathway that accelerated growth across the age groups. This resulted in the unprecedented opportunity for 12 U17s players to regularly feature in U18s fixtures.

The academy set a clear strategy at the outset of the season to promote players when they were physically and emotionally ready while ensuring they were in a supportive and challenging environment. The product of the approach has been the collective progress of the squad and individual players.

Additionally, the quality of talent within the player group resulted in six players gaining exposure to a national level environment as part of the England U18s training camps.

Gibson added: “This campaign is possibly the most enjoyable and encouraging one I can remember being a part of. I’m proud of the role the players have played in shaping such a positive environment and I know their journey is far from over.

“The win at Kingsholm was more than just a final scoreline, it was a chance to share with supporters and family a celebration of commitment, collaboration and a pathway that is clearly building something special for the future.”

If you would like more information on our academy and the player pathway, please visit their pages on our website here.