Three Exeter College students who are members of the Exeter Chiefs Academy have been selected by England Under-18’s for their 2018 squad to train and play with other young rugby players from across the country.

Richard Capstick from Taunton, Alfie Petch from Bude and Rus Tuima from Plymouth have been selected after being assessed during training camps and seven rounds of U18 academy games by England's coaching team.

Alfie Petch said:

This is a fantastic opportunity and it is great to experience the intensity of England training routines. The Chiefs Academy schedule is a busy one, with England it will be a mental battle as well as a physical one”.

For Richard Capstick, this isn't his first time being selected by England. In 2016, he won a sought after place in the England U17 Development Squad and has since had the opportunity to play with England in South Africa. Richard said:

I learnt a lot from the first camp and developed my leadership skills.”

During his first camp with England Richard was lucky enough to spend some time training with Mario Itoje, a player he looks up to.

Rugby was a natural choice for Rus, his uncle captained the Fiji Men’s team and his sister plays for England’s Red Roses. Rus said:

It is an honour to represent the country and I am delighted to have the opportunity to work with talented players from across the nation.”

Richard and Alfie have already had the opportunity to represent their country in this year’s RBS Six Nations U-18s Championship after playing against France for their first fixture of the season at Stade Jean Rolland, in Digne-les-Bains, on Saturday 3rd March.

This is an important time for the three of them, it is the start of their international and professional journey. Fellow Chiefs Academy student Marcus Street was part of the U18’s team in 2016 and since then has played in the Anglo-Welsh cup, had his Aviva Premiership debut with English Premiership champions Exeter Chiefs and has continued to progress with England in the U20’s squad.

Rob Bosworth, Vice Principal, Exeter College said:

Exeter College are very proud of the achievements of these students. It's a wonderful opportunity for them to progress their rugby careers and learn from other quality players from across the country. I'd like to thank the coaching team and the player’s families for their continued support, I am sure they are all as proud as we are and I wish all three boys the best of luck.”