Five Truro College players took to the field for Exeter Chiefs Academy as they sealed a round three win in the Defender PREM Next Gen competition.

Last Friday’s U18s Academy team was made up of players from Exeter College, Exeter School and Truro College, bringing together the best talent from Devon and Cornwall. Alex Harry Friggens, Luke McCaffrey, Louis Pern, Charlie Swan, Alex Symons Hill all ran out to represent Truro College.

They helped overcome a strong Leicester Tigers U18s side at the Centre for Rugby’s ground at Exwick with a 31-26 scoreline, including a last-minute try from Harrison Riley.

It was a welcome result after two losses on the road in the first two rounds of the Defender PREM Next Gen tournament.

No 8 McCaffrey said: “Our past two results were not what we wanted, but then we came out of the blocks firing today and really, really gelled as a team and got the win at the end.”

The former Newquay Hornets player added: “The highlights were just celebrating the scrum penalties and the little wins. We talked about it before in the warm-up. All those little wins make the bigger picture.”

Like McCaffrey, Friggens chose Truro College for its rugby programme and connection to Exeter Chiefs Academy, with the ultimate aim of pulling on a first team jersey in the future.

Friggens said: “I got into rugby when I was very young, I think at age six at Penzance & Newlyn Rugby Club. I played there throughout until U16s and then I've come up through. I live in Penzance, so I play for Truro College.”

The second row was also pleased with the victory and the way the squad has been working together during the summer.

He said: “I think they've been gelling really well. We went up to Malvern and played Harlequins; we didn't get the result that we wanted, but I think we grew from that and we came close next weekend against Sale and then obviously we've pulled up today and showed what we're about.

“For me being a forward, we had a lovely mall on the 22-metre line. I think we got a got a try after that and yeah, I was happy with that!”

Last week’s result was evidence that Cornish talent is still in healthy supply in the South West, following in the footsteps of the likes of Luke Cowan-Dickie and Jack Nowell, thanks to Truro College.

McCaffrey added: “It's my ultimate aim at the end of it all, and all the hard work. I just want to run out of Sandy Park and really enjoy myself with my mates here.”