Truro College is celebrating a significant achievement for its Rugby Academy after five students were selected for the prestigious Nolli Waterman Player Development Group, a key part of the England Rugby pathway.
The five students selected for the Nolli Waterman Player Development Group are Maya, Bella, Sophia, Ellie and Tyja, with each player earning recognition for their commitment, development and performances both for the College and their respective clubs.
In a further boost for the College, Tyja and Sophia were also recently called up to attend an England U18 training camp in Nottingham, underlining the strength of female rugby talent emerging from Cornwall.
Delivered in partnership with Exeter Chiefs, the Truro College Rugby Academy provides aspiring players with access to high-quality coaching, strength and conditioning, physiotherapy support and competitive playing opportunities, helping student-athletes develop both on and off the pitch.
Rugby Academy Coach, Philip Olds said:
“We are hugely proud of the girls for their achievements. Being selected for the Nolli Waterman Player Development Group is an outstanding accomplishment and recognition of the hard work they have put into their rugby development. We are especially delighted to see Sophia and Tyja progress further with their recent England U18 training camp call-ups. They are fantastic ambassadors for the College, their clubs and Cornwall, and we look forward to following their journeys.”
(L:R) Sophia, Myha, Ellie, Bella and Tyja have all been selected for the Nolli Waterman Pathway Development Group
Developing Talent Through Rugby
Maya, a Public Services student and former Penrice School student, plays for Redruth Rugby Club and credits the Rugby Academy with developing her game. “Since joining Truro College Rugby, I have improved so much and I couldn’t ask for any better training. It’s really helped me develop as a player.”
Maya hopes to continue progressing through the sport and one day fulfil her ambition of playing Premiership rugby.
Former Camborne Science and International Academy student Tyja, who studies A Levels in Economics, Business and Sport and captains the College rugby team, said her selection has strengthened her belief in what she can achieve.
“It feels surreal. I’ve been putting in the effort in pre-season and really trying hard in the gym. The fact that I’ve been selected has boosted my confidence and made me feel more able to succeed in the goals I’ve set for myself.” Tyja, who was also selected for the England U18 training camp, hopes to one day represent the Red Roses.
Sport Science student Sophia, formerly of Redruth School, was equally delighted to continue her progression within the England pathway. “I was really happy to be re-selected. The last season was really helpful with my rugby progress, and I was really excited to come back to it again.”
Alongside her place in the Nolli Waterman Player Development Group, Sophia’s recent England U18 training camp selection marks another significant milestone in her rugby journey.
Bella, who studies A Levels in Psychology, Health and Social Care, and Physical Education and previously attended Treviglas Community College, was surprised but delighted to receive her selection after taking up rugby relatively recently.
“It felt really surreal. I didn’t expect to get in, especially after only playing a season.”
Bella says the support available through the Rugby Academy has helped her develop her confidence and technical skills on the pitch.
First-year Protective Services student Ellie, formerly of Redruth School, described her selection as a major achievement early in her College rugby career. “I’m quite surprised because, as a first year, getting selected is a really big thing. It’s your first time doing something that big.”
She added that the structure and support available through the Academy had made a significant difference to her development. “At Truro College we have a lot more structure and discipline. We have gym sessions and much more support, which has really helped my development.”
Coaches Mal and Phil delivering pre-match briefing ahead of a fixture
Inspiring the Next Generation
All five players are passionate about encouraging more girls to take up rugby and pursue their ambitions, regardless of their background or experience.
Sophia’s message is simple: “Don’t care what anyone else says. Dream big.”
Tyja echoed that sentiment, encouraging young players to enjoy the process and believe in themselves. “Just start. Nobody is perfect when they first pick up a rugby ball. Just enjoy it, have fun, develop a passion for the sport and take each day as it comes.”
Their achievements demonstrate that talent can emerge from every corner of the country and serve as an inspiration to future players considering their own rugby journeys.
With five students progressing through the England pathway and two already gaining experience in the England U18 environment, the future continues to look bright for Truro College Rugby Academy. The success of these players reflects the strength of the College’s rugby provision and its partnership with Exeter Chiefs, which continues to create opportunities for talented young athletes to develop and fulfil their potential.
T Level Health student, Yanna, has returned from the World Kickboxing Championships in Germany with an impressive silver and bronze medal, adding to an already remarkable list of achievements in the sport.
Truro College is celebrating strong all-round success at the AoC National Championships, with students delivering standout performances across multiple disciplines. Leading the way, the College’s indoor cricket team claimed the national title in Nottingham, while athletes competing in cross country and table tennis also secured podium finishes, contributing to an impressive overall result for Team South West.
