The relationship between Exeter Chiefs and EURFC began in 1860 and expanded in 1872 when Exeter Rugby Football Club (now Exeter Chiefs) played its first match against St Luke’s College (now University of Exeter). That meeting in 1872 initiated a strong partnership between the two clubs that still thrives today.

Our strong connection is apparent through the 15 University Students who are currently contracted to Exeter Chiefs, with the likes of Kane James, Ben Coen and Finn Worley-Brady appearing frequently on the Premiership Rugby stage. The University also has a notable group of Alumni who have thrived from the program's partnership:

Dafydd Jenkins (Wales, Exeter Chiefs, University of Exeter)
Henry Slade (England, Exeter Chiefs, University of Exeter)
Ross Vintcent (Italy, Exeter Chiefs, University of Exeter
Christ Tshiunza (Wales, Exeter Chiefs, University of Exeter)
Sam Skinner (Scotland, Exeter Chiefs, University of Exeter)
Jack Maunder (England, Exeter Chiefs, University of Exeter)
Richard Capstick (England A, England U20’s, Exeter Chiefs, University of Exeter)
Sam Maunder (England U20’s, Exeter Chiefs, University of Exeter)
Tom Lawday (Exeter Chiefs, University of Exeter)

Support from Chiefs comes in many forms in order to maintain continuity and a clear pathway between the two clubs. This includes Exeter Chiefs employed University Staff, access to Exeter Chiefs coaches, and opportunities to play for Exeter Chiefs in multiple friendly fixtures across the season. EURFC's Head Coach, Gareth Elliott (an ex-Exeter Chiefs Coach himself), drives this pathway alongside Rob Baxter and Tony Rowe.

Tony Rowe OBE, Chairman and Chief Executive of Exeter Rugby Club has been a long-serving driving force in the development of the working relationship between the Chiefs and the University of Exeter.
Rob Baxter, Director of Rugby at Exeter Chiefs and former Head Coach of the University’s rugby club, recognises the University’s contribution in the professional programme.

Baxter says “we truly believe that the University of Exeter plays a hugely valuable part in our aim to be one of the best rugby teams in Europe. Not only does it allow us to extend the range of our academy to cater for the needs of our higher educational achievers, who can have a first-class education alongside a professionally-run rugby programme, but it also adds an arm to our recruitment and development process.”

Baxter is a regular on the side line at Topsham Sports Ground on a Wednesday, where he and a number of the coaching staff at Chiefs watch the University side play in their BUCS Super Rugby fixtures.

EURFC host two Feature Fixtures at Sandy Park each year, bringing in crowds of 5000+. Read here about how Feature Fixtures such as these at Sandy Park are propelling the engagement and support of thousands!