Truro and Penwith College’s Female Rugby Academy introduces new Elite programme, with training from full-time Exeter Chiefs Academy coaches.
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Over 25 girls are looking to give a professional career in rugby a try as Truro and Penwith College forms a new Elite Female Rugby Academy.
The College’s commitment to developing female rugby talent has reached new heights through the exciting programme offered in partnership with Exeter Chiefs. The Female Rugby Academy will now benefit from training and guidance from full-time Exeter Chiefs Academy Coaches and daily contact time alongside their college studies in a new full-time Elite Academy programme.
The College is an official partner of England Rugby and is proud to have seen many of its Academy players represent their country at international level in the men’s game. The programme will now offer the College’s talented young women the opportunity to pursue their dream of stepping out at Sandy Park or even Twickenham; aiming to provide female players with a clear route to the highest levels of the sport, combining education and elite rugby opportunities.
To inspire and motivate the players ahead of the new term, the College welcomed a visit from Suzie Appleby, Head Coach of Exeter Chiefs Women. Appleby’s visit marked a pivotal moment for the Academy as she spoke to the players about the extensive pathways available to them both during and after their time at the College, including educational prospects that run parallel with pathways into competitive rugby, such as university-level play in the BUCS National League, Championship Rugby with Exeter Athletic, the Women’s Premiership, and even the chance to represent England’s national team, the Red Roses.
Appleby, alongside assistant coach Steve Salvin and a first team players Eilidh Sinclair and Stefania Evans, also held a training and scouting session on the College’s rugby pitch with more than 25 girls looking to grab the new opportunity with both hands.
Appleby commented on the day: “We’re really working hard on developing our local players and bringing them up through the pathways. A day like today is ideal because we’re down at the College and to see numbers like this in Truro is amazing.
“There’s a big push and drive, and a lot of investment in the Women’s game, from grassroots up through to the international level. They couldn’t be in a better place at a better time.”
The newly formed Elite Female Rugby Academy also attended the prestigious Hartpury Rugby Festival for the first time in history, before the first-year students had even started College, as part of the Academy’s pre-season. This season opener is renowned for attracting top elite academies and private schools from across the country, setting the stage for high-level competition and exposure.
Playing in such an elite environment, in front of live-stream cameras broadcasting across the country, was an invaluable experience for the academy players. The tournament offered a glimpse into the intensity of top-level rugby and provided a platform for the athletes to showcase their skills on a national stage.
Elizabeth, a first-year Elite Female Rugby Academy student, commented: “It’s a new set-up we’ve got, it’s Elite now, which is really exciting. We’ve been given these amazing opportunities. Girls’ rugby doesn’t have the same recognition that the boys do, but we want it just as much.”
Fellow student Emily added: “The one thing I really enjoy is the community. We’re all motivated by each other. More people have eyes on us this year which gives us the opportunity to play our best.”
The future is bright for the next generation of female rugby stars at Truro and Penwith College, and with an abundance of opportunities and inspiring role models, the sky is the limit.
