KEY FEATURES
The University of Exeter Rugby programme is known for being one of the best in the country, supporting both male and female athletes to premiership and international success each year. The athletes receive access to all performance programme services, as well as:
- 3 x weights sessions a week in the Athlete Development Centre (ADC)
- 3 x rugby-specific sessions per week at the Sports Park with additional skill-specific sessions at mutually agreed times
- Weekly team and individual video analysis
- Weekly Wednesday matches in the BUCS Super Rugby
- Weekend matches in National League 2 and Women's Championship South 1.
- Support for athletes competing in the Gallagher Premiership and Premiership Women's Rugby (PWR).
- Official partnership and player pathway with Exeter Chiefs via coaching and athlete development opportunities
- Annual varsity matches held at Sandy Park
HEAD OF MENS RUGBY Gareth Elliott
Gareth has been a key figure in elite rugby performance for over a decade, having spent 10 years with Exeter Chiefs in roles including Academy Coach, Performance Analyst, and later as Head of Performance Analysis. During his time at Chiefs, he played a central role in developing academy talent and was part of the coaching team that achieved the historic Gallagher Premiership and European Champions Cup double in 2020. He also served as Forwards Coach for the Premiership Rugby Cup-winning side in 2023.
Over the past, he has coached the University of Exeter forward pack to back-to-back BUCS Super Rugby titles, building a high-performance culture rooted in professionalism, resilience, and personal development. Now serving as Head of Men’s Rugby at the University of Exeter and overseeing the men’s coaching team, Gareth is at the helm of one of the most successful student rugby environments in the country. Under his leadership, the BUCS Super Rugby squad consistently finishes in the top three nationally and regularly secures playoff positions.
Gareth holds the England Rugby Performance Coaching Award and is committed to developing players, preparing them for success in rugby and beyond.
G.Elliott@exeter.ac.uk
HEAD OF WOMENS RUGBY Poppy Leitch
Poppy has led the University of Exeter Women’s Rugby programme since 2019, having previously completed both her undergraduate degree and PGCE at the university. A qualified Level 3 coach through the England Advanced Coaching Award, she brings extensive experience in building high-performing, professional rugby environments. Under her leadership, the women’s team enjoyed an undefeated season in 2021–22, earning promotion to the BUCS Women’s National League, where they now compete at the top end of the table each year and regularly secure playoff positions.
Prior to focusing fully on coaching, Poppy gained over 100 caps and captained the Exeter Chiefs Women, leading the squad to back-to-back Allianz Premiership finals in 2021–22 and 2022–23. Her background as an elite-level player, combined with her coaching expertise, ensures she continues to inspire and develop student-athletes both on and off the pitch.
P.Leitch2@exeter.ac.uk
ASSISTANT RUGBY COACH Mike Pope
Mike Pope, a University of Exeter alumnus, graduated in 2013 after featuring heavily for the University rugby team and benefiting from its strong connection with the Exeter Chiefs. During his university years, he also had the honour of playing for England Students. That summer, Mike signed with the Championship side, Cornish Pirates, where he played professionally until his retirement in 2018. Transitioning from the pitch to a fulfilling career in teaching and coaching, Mike has since contributed to various performance and development environments. His coaching journey includes significant involvement in the Bath Rugby pathway, where he honed his skills and developed emerging talent. Returning to University of Exeter, Mike now serves as a performance coach in the rugby program. He is deeply committed to giving back to the institution and the programme that supported him during his formative years, eager to impart his experience and passion for the sport to the next generation of rugby players.
m.pope2@exeter.ac.uk
The University of Exeter Sports Scholarships Scheme is one of the most prestigious in the UK, providing a comprehensive programme of support and financial benefits for exceptionally talented student athletes. Scholarships are awarded annually to those who show evidence of competing at international level and receive:
- Up to £3,000 financial support for sporting expenses
- A support services package worth up to £3,500 (including S&C, performance analysis, physiotherapy and athlete lifestyle support) as part of the performance programme
- A Sports Scholarship mentor from the performance programme
- Strength and Conditioning
- A support package worth up to £3,500
- Athlete lifestyle support
- Individual sports mentoring
We are committed to supporting individuals who are part of an international pathway (U20's and upwards).
Our Sports Scholarship and Bursary Applications are open between October 31st and May 31st for each corresponding September entry.
Contact: Sport Scholarships sportscholarships@exeter.ac.uk 01392 641313
FACILITIES
The Rugby programme has access to a wide variety of facilities and services that ensures continued development through the year. Features include our 4G all-weather training Rubber Crumb on the Streatham campus, a key facility used by the Tonga national team during the 2015 Rugby World Cup. Our performance programme teams play their matches at Topsham Sports Ground, the University's off-site premier match day facility with structuring for match day filming. Furthermore, the programme benefits from access to the Athlete Development Centre (ADC), a bespoke high-performance training facility where tailored strength & conditioning programmes are delivered, along with access to recovery sessions and equipment as well as our Performance Analysis suite.
The University of Exeter is renowned for its academic excellence, establishing itself in the top 1% of Universities worldwide (The Times World University Rankings) and placing 19th in The Complete University Guide UK rankings.
The University has four campuses, two in Cornwall with two in Exeter, closely located to the thriving commercial city centre and large St David’s train station. The University currently has around 23,000 students, of which almost 5,000 are international students. In total, the University hosts students from over 130 different countries making for a truly vibrant and inclusive academic community.
MERRYN DOIDGE
While at university, Merryn played for the women’s rugby first team, gaining invaluable experience and knowledge that helped shape her development both on and off the field during her early adulthood and playing career.
From the very beginning of Exeter Chiefs’ Women’s Premiership campaign, Merryn has been a key member of the squad at Sandy Park, all while successfully completing her degree with First Class Honours.
Merryn made her England 7s debut at the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series in Canada and went on to represent Team England at the Birmingham Commonwealth Games in 2022.
This season (25-26), Merryn is set to become only the second ever centurion for the Chiefs—a testament to her longevity, consistency, and importance within the team.
'Although I can't choose a single proud moment, being selected into Team England Rugby 7s squad and playing consistently for Exeter Chiefs in the premiership has to be up there' she says. England Women's 7's Rugby - Commonwealth Games Exeter Chiefs BSc Exercise and Sport Sciences (2019-2022)
CHRIST TSHIUNZA
Christ graduated with a BSc in Exercise and Sport Sciences in 2023, all while training full-time with Exeter Chiefs, demonstrating impressive dedication to both his academic and athletic careers.
In a remarkable series of milestones, Christ made his debuts for Wales Under 20s, Exeter Chiefs, Exeter University, and the Wales national team—all within just a few months. He earned his full first-team debut for the Chiefs in the opening game of the 2021/22 season against Leicester Tigers and has since amassed 51 caps for Exeter Chiefs. Shortly after his club debut, he was called up to the Wales squad by Wayne Pivac, making his full Test debut off the bench against Fiji at the Principality Stadium, and has now earned 7 caps for Wales (3 of which were starts).
Building on this rapid rise, Christ was selected for the 2023 Welsh World Cup squad, joining fellow student Dafydd Jenkins and now continues to represent both his country and club.
Welsh Seniors (2023 World Cup Squad) Exeter Chiefs BSC Exercise and Sport Sciences (2020-2023)