Sal M'boge second year LLB Law Student in action for Exeter Chiefs

Strong presence from University Alumni and current students at Gareth Steenson's testimonial match

Current students Jack Rouse and Simon Linsell were joined by Alumni Hayden Thomas, James Hanks, Neil Clark, Jamie Fleming, George Fleming, Andrew Dudley, Joesph Satt and Director of Rugby at Exeter University and Exeter Chiefs Match Day Manager Keith Fleming.

Current students Jack Rouse and Simon Linsell were joined by Alumni Hayden Thomas, James Hanks, Neil Clark, Jamie Fleming, George Fleming, Andrew Dudley, Jo Statt and Director of Exeter University Rugby and Exeter Chiefs Match Day Manager Keith Fleming. They took to the field, either carrying water or trying to carry the ball, for Exeter Chiefs’ club legend and Premiership Champion Gareth Steenson in his Testimonial game against the Classic Lions earlier this month.

Mark Stevens (Communications & Media Manager, Exeter Chiefs) commented “The two sides put on a brilliant display sharing 21 tries in an entertaining encounter, watched by a crowd in excess of 7,000 people, which the Chiefs won 69-65.” As well as the stars of Exeter’s promotion winning year seven years ago, there were a host of other household names on show, which included the likes of JPR Williams (British and Irish Lions & Wales) David Flatman (England & Bath), Danny Grewcock (British & Irish Lions & Enlgand), Lee Mears (England & Bath), Ceri Sweeney (Wales & Exeter Chiefs) and Mike Tindall (England & Gloucester), as well as current British & Irish Lions star Jack Nowell.

Gareth Steenson, Exeter’s leading points-scorer said: “I’ve been blown away by the whole day. It started last night with an evening with all the old boys and the Lions lads and it’s continued into today with the game, which was absolutely fantastic.”

The strong showing from the University is another great example of the link the two have together promoting outstanding rugby and higher education. More recent Alumni and current students have also been given the opportunity to demonstrate their ability during preseason matches held at Sandy Park and also an Exeter Chiefs academy game which featured 15 current students including try scoring winger from last weekend’s double header match against Cornish Pirates Sal M’Boge. 14 players also included from the university are: Ed Hayward, Max Himbury, Sam Morley, Aaron Bagwell, Ben Phillips, Charlie Morgan, Charlie Fetney, James McRae, Callum Young, Josh Peters, Kas Ellman, Rory Lorimer, Greg Dubois, and Toby Williams.

Rob Gibson Assistant Academy Manager said “It’s a strong group of players made up from the various Colleges, our Apprenticeship scheme and our links with the University of Exeter. Each year we are seeing this outreach group get stronger and stronger, but at the same time these players can see what can be achieved if they really focus and put everything into their game. Already a few of the players in this squad have been involved in things like the Premiership 7s and Saturday’s pre-season friendly for the Chiefs, but I think a number of the others could - if they work hard, listen to instructions and play well - make it into things like the A League.”

Following on from the success of the Sport Scholars and High Performance athletes that signed full time contracts and extensions to their current contracts at the end of their graduation this year (Jack Owlett, Pete Laverick, Tom Lawday & Sam Skinner) the players involved definitely know the stakes if they continue to work hard & perform well.

Written by James Fleming

Sport Scholarship Recruitment Officer

Date: 24 August 2017