After the hard graft in pre-season, the proof will be in the pudding this afternoon, as Exeter University make their first foray into National League rugby, with a trip to fellow Devonians Barnstaple.
A title winning season in the South West Premier last year has seen the university rise to their highest ever position in the English game, with the challenge now of making sure they prove themselves having made the step up.
Barnstaple are a well-known foe to the university, having played each other on many occasions in the South West Premier. What will no doubt be a physical encounter awaits the side tomorrow afternoon and it is that physicality that will be the most notable step up for the side.
An impressive pre-season for the entire club, including a standout victory over Plymouth Albion has proven that Exeter are well on their way to a successful season. Now, the squad have to back that early promise up.
This will no doubt be a test though, with a number of players missing having been selected for Exeter Chiefs across their two pre-season friendlies against Ulster and Cornish Pirates.
If Exeter University are to come away victorious from their first away trip of the season, it will show that the depth within the club is perhaps better that it has ever been.

Team News:

Tempo will be the buzzword against Barnstaple on Saturday, with Josh Barton captaining the side from fly half. The back three of George Davis, Ed Thomas and Max Bliss looks to be an exciting combination, whilst the impressive Tirion Bowen and Lucas Dorrell will pack down at 4 and 8 respectively. The pair have proven they are more than up to the task in pre-season and now have the chance to show what they can do in National League rugby. Dorrell will be joined in the backrow by Ronan Kelly and Scotland U20 international Rob Gordon, with a centre pairing of Harvey Graham and Sam Walker helping captain Barton to pull the strings.

Today's Opponents:

2019/20 South West Premier champions Barnstaple endured something of a challenging season last time out, finishing 16th in National 2 South. Founded in 1877, the club reached the fourth tier of the English game for the first time in 2016.
Perhaps, most famously, in 2007, former All Black captain Jerry Collins played a game for Barnstaple's 2nd team while visiting family in the Devon town, and later wore the club's socks when playing for the Barbarians against South Africa at Twickenham.
A physical side, who provide a stern challenge for any visitors to Pottington Road, they will be sure to make EURFC work hard for everything that may come their way on Saturday.

Last Three Meetings:

EURFC 34-29 Barnstaple - February 2020
Barnstaple 36-16 EURFC – October 2019
Barnstaple 42-36 EURFC – February 2020

Getting There:

Car: It's just over an hour’s drive from Exeter to Barnstaple, along the A377. After turning off the A377, follow the A361 into Barnstaple itself and onto Pottington Road.