Forward-thinking Capstick has real plans
By Mark Stevens
13/2/21
It’s not just on the field where Richard Capstick is looking to the future, off it the young Exeter Chiefs forward is equally as busy plotting the way ahead.
Combining rugby life at Sandy Park with that of study at the University of Exeter, the 21-year-old is certainly a smart operator.
Not content with filling his day prepping for some heavyweight encounters in English rugby’s top flight, away from the training paddock Capstick is flat out working on a degree in Exercise Science, as well as putting into place plans with his brothers to open up a number of pizza franchises.
“There are a few of us at the club combining playing with studying at the University,” explains Capstick. “We aren’t always going to play rugby, so it’s part of the process of setting us up for life later down the line. It’s hard work at times, but it’s also fun as well. I guess the important part, though, is making sure you manage your time correctly.”
Whatever Capstick is doing, it’s clearly working as not only is he advancing his study and a potential new business forward at a rate of knots, but he’s making big strides in terms of his own development with the Chiefs.
Having been given an opportunity to shine during last season by Chiefs’ Director of Rugby, Rob Baxter, the former England Under-20s international has used those game minutes as the foundation to kick on further this season.
Recent eye-catching displays in the away wins at Worcester Warriors and Newcastle Falcons have shown he is more than capable of playing at Premiership level, contributing to a Chiefs side who are clearly determined to build on their double-winning success of last term.
“It’s good to see the boys winning trophies, but it’s not the same if you aren’t out on the pitch,” adds Capstick. “What the club and the team achieved last season was amazing, but now I want to be one of those players doing the job and helping us to be successful.”
It’s a bold statement from a player who is still very much in his infancy in terms of exposure to the Premiership. However, it does indicate the burning desire that exists within him - and others like Marcus Street, James Kenny and Sam Maunder - to work their way to the very top end of the modern-day game.
“Being part of the Academy set-up at the club is amazing,” says Capstick. “The coaches have been brilliant in helping to develop me and so many others. Every day they are there to assist you; offer advice; or just make you a better player.
“You’ve seen in the past with the likes of Nowellsy, Sladey and Dickie that they created a golden group of players coming through. Hopefully, a few of us can be that next golden generation that can take the club forward again.”
Based on current showing, Capstick is heading in the right direction, packing down in a Chiefs pack that is renowned throughout England and Europe for its no-nonsense, yet highly effective power plays.
“There is lots of help for us as a player,” he says. “In terms of the coaches, Rob Hunter helps me massively with the line-out work; [Julian] Salvi the same with the breakdown and Ricky Pellow is always helping me with my passing.
“When it comes to the players, Skins [Sam Skinner] his knowledge around the line-out is ridiculous, Dave Ewers is an absolute freak out on the field and Simmo [Sam Simmonds] is just running in tries for fun. If I can replicate parts of all their games and listen to what the coaches are saying to me, of course it’s going to help me improve and become a better player.”