Players from the Exeter Chiefs rugby team visited the Haven Banks Outdoor Education Centre this week for a well-deserved break in their rigorous training routine.

The team came to the centre to enjoy themselves and try out the many activities on offer in the water and out of it.

Centre Manager Ben Hedden said: “It was a pleasure to welcome Exeter Chiefs to Haven Banks Outdoor Education Centre. During their visit the Chiefs squad participated in just a few of the many great activities we provide and they were able to see the extensive facilities we have available. Haven Banks is a Beacon Award winning partnership between Exeter College and Devon County Council and promotes community engagement and activity as well as facilitating full-time outdoor adventure courses and apprenticeships.”

It wasn’t all play however as the players were accompanied by strength and conditioning coaches encouraging the Chiefs players to tackle each pursuit which included rock climbing and kayaking.

Mark Twiggs, Head of Strength & Conditioning at Exeter Chiefs, said “Ben and all the team at Haven Banks put a lot of time and effort into running a great package for the players, which came through with all the positive comments from the day.”

The players were given the choice of several activities on the day including; Cycling, Artificial Caving, Climbing Wall, Kayaking, Stand Up Paddle Boarding, and the Power Fan “free fall” Descent.

Exeter Chiefs and Australian international, Dave Dennis, said: “As a group we had an enjoyable time on all the activities, even though the weather wasn't great on the day. I would definitely go back again in the future, especially on a beautiful summer’s day with family and friends.”

The clear favourite of the day was the power fan free fall descent which saw the chiefs leaping from the prominent 22 metre tower at the canal basin. The Powerfan is a highly engineered machine that is able to provide a free fall experience in complete safety. Each member of the team made their way up the tower. Cheered on by their team mates from below, they put their trust in the staff and equipment and stepped off of the high tower to “free fall” to the ground.

To learn more about activities available please visit the Haven Banks Outdoor Activity Centre website.