Strong University of Exeter contingent for Exeter Chiefs Singha Premiership Rugby Sevens side

Starting in 2010, the Singha Sevens has become the perfect pre-season platform for teams preparing for the upcoming season. Held over 2 days and in the same venue for the 1^st time in 2017, the 8 team and 10 game competition format promised to deliver an exciting spectacle of elite level rugby. Having been defeated by Wasps in the final last season, Chiefs were looking to go one better and take the title.

Returning from long term injury, former University of Exeter Sports Scholar, Pete Laverick, captained the Chiefs side which included current Exeter University Rugby Club (EURFC) players Sam Morley, Sal M’Boge, James McRae, Kieran Kelly. Incoming first year student and Chiefs academy member Joe Elderkin also featured, with current University of Exeter students Aaron Bagwell and Greg Dubois named as travelling replacements.

In a qualifying group alongside Northampton Saints and Saracens, Exeter Chiefs narrowly came out on top thanks to points difference. Despite a 26-19 loss to Saracens, their 33-0 win against Saints was enough to top the group and progress through. Chiefs faced Saracens for a 2^nd time in the quarter final and reversing the previous result when it mattered they came away with a 26-14 victory and a place in the semi-final.  Meeting Wasps in a replay of last year’s final in the semi was a tight encounter with Chiefs eventually losing out 17-21 to a quality side who went on to retain their title from last season.

University of Exeter Director of Rugby and Exeter Chiefs match day manager, Keith Fleming commented “It was pleasing to see a number of uni boys given the opportunity to represent Chiefs at Premiership level. This reinforces the performance pathway and opportunities available for players between our University Rugby programme and Exeter Chiefs”

Current and prospective University of Exeter students now join the University of Exeter Men’s Rugby Club pre-season from Monday 31^st July. This provides an opportunity to train full time in a High Performance environment ahead of the start of term and upcoming BUCS season.