Bodilly out to seize his chance

Max Bodilly's first LV= Cup start in an Exeter Chiefs shirt turned into a Westcountry thriller with Gloucester Rugby and the promising utility back admits it's left him hungry for more.

As LV= Cup holders with a flourishing youth academy, a few envious eyes have been cast in the direction of Sandy Park.

The proof of their winning formula can be found in the latest round of England call-ups, with Jack Nowell taking his place in the Six Nations training camp and Luke Cowan-Dickie and Henry Slade both involved with the Saxons.

That trio are all 21 years old and Bodilly, 20, is out to prove they were not just a bumper crop.

The Chiefs are used to staging drama in the LV= Cup and after they were saved by the width of the post against Gloucester in their opening match this term, the full-back is eager to keep carving out a bigger role.

"Gloucester had a chance to win it with the last kick of the game, it was a great match to be involved in but thankfully we managed to get over the line," said Bodilly, who is dual-registered with Cornish Pirates.

"I thought I played quite well, it felt comfortable out there and hopefully I can continue to prove myself.

"This level is a lot different to age-group rugby, it's a lot more physical but being around here on the training field the older guys are really quick to help you and make sure you're ready as much as possible

"I've been playing most weeks down at the Cornish Pirates, starting regularly, and I expect to be down there after the next set of LV= Cup games - I just want to be taking these opportunities to impress."

After Chiefs' scrape with Gloucester, their victory a week later over fellow South West rivals Bath was relatively straightforward.

It left them with breathing space at the top of Pool 2, although Bodilly is wary of a Newport-Gwent Dragons side who will be riding the crest of a wave after qualifying for the knockout stages of the European Rugby Challenge Cup last week.

He added: "We are definitely aiming for the LV= Cup again but first things first, the Dragons this weekend will be tough opposition as they're in some form.

"They are at home as well and I don't think they'll be putting out a weakened side so we've got to go down there and produce."