Exeter College to represent England Rugby at prestigious SANIX international rugby tournament in Japan
Exeter College is delighted to have been chosen to represent England at the 2026 SANIX tournament, an international schools rugby tournament that is held in the Fukuoka prefecture area of Japan every year.
Widely regarded as the premier international schools festival, the tournament will take place at the end of April 2026. The Japan Rugby Football Union hosts the event, and it is supported by various local bodies specifically the SANIX sports foundation, the event brings together top youth teams from around the world. The SANIX sports foundation provides half the costs for overseas teams to participate in the tournament.
Jon Hill, the men's rugby academy Lead at Exeter College and former Exeter Chiefs player said: "Exeter College have a unique and amazing opportunity to represent the England RFU at a prestigious international youth rugby tournament, pitching ourselves against the best youth players in the world.
“This is a once in a lifetime opportunity and one that we intend to embrace, not just in terms of sport, but culturally. Tours like this often produce memories for life and can also serve as a great educational tool developing life skills and broadening player horizons.
“Japan is steeped in rich culture and traditions, and we have already highlighted some of these in our briefing with the students so that we can start to appreciate the opportunities that this may create. Moving forward we have linked up with the Japanese Society at the University of Exeter who are going to deliver a talk to our students on Japanese Culture and behavioural expectations. We cannot wait to get out there and to pitch ourselves against the best teams from around the world."
A squad of 30 students from Exeter College will travel to Japan along with a group of staff that includes former Exeter Chiefs players Jon Hill, Jon Fabian, Chris Wall and Marc Dibble. Current Exeter Chiefs Academy coaches Dibble, Aaron Jarvis (former Welsh international prop), Daniel Johnstone (S&C) and Ana Green (physio) form the travelling staff group.
Among the playing squad are current Exeter Chiefs Academy players Ruben Chugg and Henry Tanner, who shared their thoughts on the upcoming tour.
Ruben, who studies BTEC business and plays full-back and fly-half, said: “I think it will be a very eye-opening experience for the team, especially as individuals realising their potential but also to see our potential as a team. I'm looking forward to experiencing a new culture, especially in a new continent that I haven't been to before, it’s not just about playing rugby.”
Henry, who plays hooker and back row and is studying A-levels in geology, environmental science, and business, added: “It will be a really cool experience to see the culture in Japan, and obviously to represent my country. Getting to wear the red rose on my shirt and just play with all my mates will be an amazing experience.”
The wider squad also includes Jeremy Keys, Charlie Bosanko, and Will Lane, all recently selected for the England Pathway Squad, highlighting the calibre of talent within Exeter College’s rugby programme.
Exeter College is proud of its partnership with the Exeter Chiefs and has played a vital part in the development of current Exeter Chiefs and Exeter College Alumni playing members such as Richard Capstick, Lewis Pearson, Louie Gulley, Nick Lilley, Rusi Tuima, Zack Wimbush, Jed Findlay, Luke Evans and Tom Cairns.
Sponsorship opportunity
Exeter College is actively seeking support from local businesses to help make this opportunity a reality for our students. There are a range of sponsorship packages available, including:
Team sponsorship – Support the squad as a whole and have your brand featured prominently across team kit and included in PR and social media posts
Individual player sponsorship – Back a specific student and help cover trip costs for that student
Shirt sponsorship – Gain visibility by having your logo featured on the team’s playing and leisure kit during the tournament
If your business would like to get involved, please contact Jon Hill on: [email protected] for more information about sponsorship packages. The estimated cost of this once in a lifetime trip for the group is approximately £60,000, and the players, coaches, and parents are already actively fundraising via a wide array of means in order to reduce the individual cost to each member of the tour party.