Exeter Chiefs produce biggest ever intake of academy players

Exeter Chiefs director of rugby Rob Baxter is set to welcome his biggest intake of academy players into his squad next season. 

Naturally, Baxter is delighted to have such talent available to him on his own door step through the club’s links with both Exeter and Truro Colleges, as well as that of the University of Exeter, whose tie-up with the Chiefs is developing year on year and had yielded stock such as Sam Skinner, Jack Owlett, Pete Laverick and Tom Lawday.

“I cannot speak highly enough about the work that is being carried out within our academy system,” said Baxter. “We have been very fortunate during our time in the Premiership to unearth some fantastic, local talent – many of whom have been able to not only establish themselves as key members within the first-team squad, but also go on to achieve even bigger things within the game.

“In every case, though, the player has to warrant us giving him a contract and being part of our senior group. I think what these players have shown to us as coaches is that they are willing to work hard every day – and that they want to improve every time they train and every time they play. If they do that, then I have no reason not to think they can be very successful in the future.”

Players who have signed contracts with the Premiership Champions: 

Richard Capstick, Flynn Elworthy, Barrie Karea, James Kenny, Sam Maunder, James McRae, Sam Morley, Max Norey, Joe Parker-Cook, Alfie Petch, Joe Snow, Danny Southworth, Cory Teague and Rus Tuima have all agreed contracts with the reigning Premiership champions.