WITH an intake of just 18 girls for the Exeter Chiefs Academy 2021/22 season, eligible girls from Crediton RFC U18s squad will make up the majority of the new intake as the club will provide six of the new cohort.

The six girls successfully negotiated the two stage trial programme run by Exeter College which included skill drills and matches, (played under the current Covid rule restrictions), under the watchful eye of the Academy Coaches and ladies from the Exeter Chiefs Women’s XV.

The girls: Lilly Plowman, Millie Richards, Katie Salter, Millie Twigg, Lily Drayton and Holly Burrow made the cut from the original 50-odd girls at the first trial into the match-based second trial of around 34 and then into the 18 successful candidates.

The girls, many of whom have been at Crediton RFC since starting to play with the club’s U13s team, were delighted not only as individuals but celebrated as a team when they got together after hearing the news. They continue a line of successful candidates that the club has provided to the Academy in recent years.

The club stated its aims to pull together a squad of players with the view of competing in the Allianz Premier 15s, as well as working with both Exeter College, Exeter Athletic RFC and the University of Exeter helping to develop young, local players with the aim of producing talent for the future within local leagues here in Devon.

The girls’ coaches were understandably full of pride for their achievements, saying: “After the year we’ve just had, where the girls have played hardly any rugby and less than a handful of games, their commitment, hard work and perseverance can only be admired.

"When you combine this with their talent and passion for the game, we are very lucky to have this group of girls at the club.”

Crediton Girls rugby players, both as individuals and squads, continue to improve year-on-year and the future looks good for the club. Those following up through the age group ranks growing both in terms of numbers and ability.

With Pre-Season training soon to start, any new recruits are welcome. The club promotes enjoyment in training and games and all ages are welcome.