University Rugby gets boost from SW Comms

South West Communications Groups, the main sponsors of the Exeter Chiefs, have given their backing to eight University of Exeter students to support the men’s rugby High Performance Programme.

The telephone systems and data centre services experts will fund rugby bursaries for the 2012/2013 academic year to give the students financial support as they combine their studies with honing their rugby skills.

This year’s bursary recipients are Justin and Samuel Blanchet, Oliver Claxton, Robert Coote, Conor Hartley, Dante O’Reilly, Rickard Sinel and Aron Struminski.

South West Communications Group has supported the rugby programme at the University for 10 years and is the main first team sponsor too. It also sponsors the Exeter Chiefs, Withycombe RFC and Bicton College’s Exeter Chiefs Academy 1^st XV.

Harry Langley, managing director of South West Communications Groups, said: “We have always supported young sports people in Devon and we have a particular interest in supporting rugby players in the hope they will develop into Exeter Chiefs stars of the future. We wish this group all the best for the coming year and wish the entire first team the best of luck for the rest of the season.”

Keith Fleming, University of Exeter’s director of rugby, said: “The University’s partnership with Exeter Chiefs and the generosity and vision of South West Communications Group will combine to assist with the development of some of the most talented players we have to offer.

“The benefits of the scheme extend beyond the purely financial as each players benefits from two extremely supportive environments at the University and at the Exeter Chiefs. It ensures that the players’ needs are met several times over through the support of superb strength and conditioning staff and physiotherapists complemented by high quality coaching so the players can concentrate on their on-field performances.”

This article is courtesy of Exeter Chiefs Rugby Club