Record number of players in action for Exeter College

Exeter Chiefs pathway provider Exeter College fielded five Academy teams to see a record-breaking number of young male players in action on the same afternoon.

With the addition of a fifth team this year, the college saw 111 players on the pitch yesterday, recording three wins in the process.

The college’s 1st XV competed in the RFU ACE League taking a 66-12 victory over fellow pathway feeder Truro College.

The 2nd XV also beat Truro 68-38 in their RFU ACE Development League fixture.

There were three friendly games with the 3rds going down to Millfield School’s 2nds by 24-29 but Exeter College’s 4th XV were victorious over Bridgwater & Taunton College with a 47-26 scoreline. Lastly, the 5th XV were beaten 10-31 by Richard Huish College.

Head of rugby at Exeter College Jon Hill said: “A total of 111 players represented the College yesterday in academy fixtures which is a new college record and something to be very proud of!

“There's a lot of fixtures and a lot of opportunities. We've got five XVs this year, so we've expanded. We've tapped into some brilliant coaches from the Exeter Chiefs Women: Liv McGoverne, Maisy Allen and Eilidh Sinclair were all on board with us. We've recruited internally as well, so we've got some really good coaches within the college programme.

“There are some great opportunities for the boys to progress. The current Exeter University 1st team captain started in our 4th team four years ago. Ben Rogers, who played for Bristol in the PREM Rugby Cup last week, was in our 4th team only three years ago.

“We're really a leading light for those that may not have been identified earlier in their career and might be a late developer. The college programme is offering some of the opportunities for those guys to shine.”

Follow Exeter College’s progress this season on Instagram @exetercollegerugby.