Chiefs U18s side to face Saracens U18s

By Mark Stevens
17/12/21

Exeter Chiefs Academy coach Marc Dibble has challenged his side to “attack from the outset” as they look to kick-off their Premiership Rugby Under-18s League against Saracens at Truro College tomorrow (11:30am).

In what will be a stiff opening test against the travelling Londoners, Dibble is hopeful the Chiefs can turn their detailed preparation into points.

“It’s a tough fixture to start with, but at the same time it will give us a good gauge of where we are as a side,” said Dibble. “We know Saracens always put together a strong squad and we’re expecting very much the same this weekend.

“That said, we’re pleased with the make-up of our squad and for a lot of these lads it’s a great opportunity for them to not only build on the work we’ve done with them in training, but also show what they can do in an Exeter Chiefs jersey.”

In the first of two games before Christmas for the Chiefs, Dibble is hoping his team can make the most of home advantage.

“It’s great that we can start at home,” he added. “Like with any side, you want to make the most of home advantage and that’s what we will be telling the players before the game. We showed last season that you can build real momentum as a side by getting results, so let’s hope we can do the same this season.”

The league stage, which runs until the first weekend in February, is split into a northern and southern conference, with 14 teams involved in total.

A finals day at Worcester Warriors' Sixways Stadium on the weekend of the 19-20 February will cap off the tournament, that supports the development of hundreds of young players.

Premiership Rugby’s Head of Player Development, Neil McCarthy believes it is fantastic news the competition is back, as it is so critical to young players’ progress at the elite level.

"Everyone is delighted we can firstly get this competition on, but also provide a big opportunity for these players to demonstrate their worth," he said. “After a difficult period of time for everybody, it will be nice to see these young players given the opportunity to represent their clubs in a competitive environment. There is no doubt, the young players have had a difficult period of time, with lots of disruption.

“The schools programme that a lot have played in has come to an end. This gives them a real high-level competition to test their capacities. It is part of a wider talent development process, and competition is obviously really important to that and how players react, adapt and play under pressure against the other best players in the country.”

Not only do the under-18 elite players get some high-quality game time, the competition also provides the chance for those involved to carve out a potential pathway to the senior game.

McCarthy added: “So many have played in this league and gone on to perform well at a higher level. The regional academies and the clubs have done a fantastic job in helping the players across this tricky period of time. This is a really nice outlet for those players and staff that have been relentless in keeping up standards.

"The RFU, and in particular Don Barrell, the England age-grade coaches and all the clubs have made a big effort to ensure these players have been engaged all the way through this tricky period – and that is hugely important.”

The Northern Conference features under-18 teams from Leicester Tigers, Newcastle Falcons, Northampton Saints, Sale Sharks, Wasps, Worcester Warriors and Yorkshire Carnegie.

The Southern Conference will see the likes of Bath, Bristol Bears, Exeter Chiefs, Gloucester Rugby, Harlequins, London Irish and Saracens battling it out.

Two rounds will be completed prior to Christmas, before the Academy U18 League takes a break over the New Year period, resuming on January 8.