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Foundation, development and confirmation

Background

Exeter Chiefs Rugby Academy is one of the 11 regional RFU academies. The Exeter Chiefs Rugby Academy boundaries include Devon and Cornwall.

The boys’ pathway is governed by the Professional Game Partnership and involves the RFU and Premiership Rugby working closely together. The responsibility for player development has been given to the Premiership academy system, so it aligns to the top of the pyramid and ultimately the Premiership. The purpose of each academy is to produce players for the Premiership and England.

The U17 and U18 age grade pathway comprises the development phase.

foundation and development background

Foundation phase - U15/U16

Integrating experiences to develop stars of the future.

Providing experienced professional coaching that not only nurtures but retains a large percentage of targeted players through the pathway.

The region is rural and large - the inclusion of the players from outside the main centres is well catered for through quality central bases in both counties.

Development phase - U17/U18

Creating individuals that understand the competencies and requirements of competing at national and international levels.

Optimise the development phase through a high level of contact time that allows the control of the cyclic nature across the age groups.

Individuals will be rewarded who display a high quality and rounded capacity who also apply themselves in trying to gain the highest grades possible for the individual at recognised elite education providers.

Confirmation phase - 18+

To cultivate and confirm the next generation of elite players who are fully prepared to complete at the highest levels for Exeter Chiefs in both Premiership, European competitions and on the international stage.

To be recognised as the premier development club in England, dedicated to ensuring that more than 50 pe cent of our senior squad comprises of home-grown talent year after year. We commit to fostering well-rounded individuals by prioritising not just athletic excellence but also academic and off-field growth, empowering our players to thrive both on and off the rugby field.

How are players eligible for selection into the Foundation phase?

To be eligible for selection into the foundation phase, a player must fulfil one of the following criteria:

  1. 1
    Have their permanent home address located in our region
  2. 2
    Have their permanent school address located in our region
  3. 3
    Be registered on GMS as a player at a rugby club in our region

Foundation selection process

Exeter Chiefs Rugby Academy will now run a significantly different U15 Foundation programme - there will be reduced numbers, but outcomes of player production will increase.

The 2026–27 season will see the Exeter Chiefs Rugby Academy introduce a new U15 Identification Festival for the first time, replacing the previous club and school nomination process. Each team will play against two different opponents, creating a more dynamic and representative playing environment. This format allows Academy staff to observe players in their team environment, assess a wider pool of talent and evaluate performance in live match situations.

The primary aim of the Player Identification Festival is to select players for invitation into the Exeter Chiefs Rugby Academy U15 Foundation programme.

The festivals will take place simultaneously across two weekends (Sunday 20 September and Sunday 27 September) at Exeter Saracens RFC for Devon based clubs and Truro RFC for Cornwall based clubs. This new approach has been developed in collaboration with Cornwall RFU CB and Devon RFU CB.

It is reminded that players can enter the pathway at any time and at no stage is the door closed. Staff will increase the viewing programmes in clubs and schools.
Once a player has completed the U15 Foundation year, re-selection will take place for those going into the U16 programme.

Our training grounds

Training venue (north)

Training Venue (North)

EXETER COLLEGE CENTRE FOR RUGBY

Flowerpot Playing Fields, Western Road, Exeter, EX4 1EG

Training venue (south)

Training Venue (North)

TRURO COLLEGE

College Road, Truro, TR1 3XX

If you'd like to find out more about our Academy, please contact us exeteracademy@exeterchiefs.co.uk