Tonga training at the University of Exeter

The University of Exeter Student Rugby Club even got the opportunity to take to the grass with Tonga to sample the training and dedication of the Tonga players. It was a fantastic experience for players and coaches, with everyone in the club inspired to go for more success again this season.

Following extensive development of the sports facilities, including over £20million in the past eight years, the University of Exeter boasts some of the best facilities in the South West. The success on the field of the University students has been incredible, finishing 6th overall in the British Universities and Colleges Sport rankings in the 2014/2015 year.

The sports ground at Topsham boasts high quality grass pitches and a pavilion offering video analysis capabilities. The venue is ideal for private training sessions as Tonga strive for success in the Rugby World Cup. The Athlete Development Centre is the focus for the strength and conditioning training for the University sports scholars and high performance athletes. Many students attain national and international success and benefit from this dedicated facility. Tonga will be using this facility to maintain their fitness and strength.

The University of Exeter Rugby Club, coaches and strength and conditioning staff have had the opportunity to see the training techniques of a professional international Rugby Team.

“It is fantastic for the University of Exeter to be part of the Rugby World Cup 2015. To host Tonga is a testament to how much the sports facilities have developed and will inspire not only our students, but staff and the local community.” Commented Alison Davidson, Director of Sport.

Training sessions are not open for public viewing.

The search for Team Bases was launched via an open tender process in May 2013 and over 90 bids from across the country and in Wales were received.  The University of Exeter worked closely with England Rugby 2015 over the past 12 months to facilitate detailed site visits and liaison with the teams prior to confirmation of its status as an official Team Base for Rugby World Cup 2015.

Tonga will be taking on Namibia at Exeter Chiefs Sandy Park Stadium on 29 September at 16:45. http://www.rugbyworldcup.com/

For more information about the University of Exeter Rugby Club please contact the Athletic Union: www.exeter.ac.uk/sport/studentsport/au

Date 23 September 2015