Chiefs U18s side to face Gloucester

By Mark Stevens
16/1/20

It’s been a difficult season so far for the Exeter Chiefs Under-18s, but coach Ruairi Cushion believes a victory may not be too far away for the club’s youngsters.

On Saturday, the Chiefs travel to rivals Gloucester looking to build on what was an encouraging display, albeit in defeat, against Harlequins at Rosslyn Park last Saturday.

The Devonians went down 21-12 in that game, but Cushion insists they have used the positives from that performance as their foundation from which to build-up for this latest encounter against the Cherry & Whites, which will be played at Newlands Sports Park (1:30pm).

“Our first three games have seen a positive rise in our performance from game to game,” said Cushion. “As a group, last weekend left us feeling frustrated as we felt our performance deserved a lot more. At this level, though, one or two mistakes can cost you on the scoreboard and our guys are learning that the hard way.”

Ben Grubb and Bailey Williams claimed Exeter’s tries in that game - and both are included in this weekend’s squad, which also sees Barnaby Waddell included for the first time at lock and Charlie Levick recalled at full-back.

Looking ahead to the game, Cushion added: “We have a group of guys here that are keen to learn and get better. Above all, they are keen to work their socks off for each other and fight for everything. As a coaching staff that’s exactly the type of group we want to work with and we believe if they keep showing those attributes, and keep pushing to improve our performance, then things will click and we’ll earn that win that these players deserve.

“Gloucester this weekend is an exciting challenge for us as they present a different challenge to our first three games. It is going to be tough and physical, but we are well prepared and excited for the game. Our focus is on us and how we get that 1% that will allow us to show off the skills and exciting rugby we know we can play.”

EXETER CHIEFS U18s SIDE TO FACE GLOUCESTER U18s

15 Charlie Levick
14 Billy Orchard
13 Archie Hill
12 Charlie McCaig
11 Frankie Nowell
10 Iwan Jenkins
9 Tom Cairns (capt)
1 Ethan Pearce-Cowley
2 Harry Hocking
3 Harry Wilkinson
4 Barnaby Waddell
5 Christ Tshiunza
6 Milo Hallam
7 Joe Elsworth
8 Ben Grubb

16 Oli Jeffrey
17 Bailey Williams
18 Nathan Karea
19 Sam Leworthy
20 Josh Pilkington
21 Jack Carden
22 Jason Capaldi