Ali Hepher's Return to Exeter Academy: A Strategic Move for Rugby Development

Exeter Chiefs' director of rugby, Rob Baxter, has emphasized the significance of Ali Hepher's return to the club in an academy role. Hepher, who left the club in May after 16 years, has rejoined as a performance coach, focusing on developing players from the age of 16.

A Proven Track Record

Hepher's tenure at Exeter has been marked by significant achievements, including guiding the team to two top-flight titles and the 2020 European Champions Cup. His expertise, particularly in backs and attacking skills, is expected to be invaluable in nurturing the next generation of rugby talent.

Baxter's Vision for the Future

Baxter highlighted the importance of high-quality coaching in the academy, stating, "We want to have as high a quality player coming out of our academy as possible." Hepher's role will focus on younger players, ensuring they receive top-notch coaching from an early age.

Impact on Young Players

Hepher has previously worked with some of Exeter's finest homegrown talents, including Henry Slade, Jack Nowell, and Joe Simmonds. His ability to transition players from the academy to professional rugby is seen as a key asset.

A Long-Term Investment

Baxter described Hepher's return as "a really important investment in our academy pathway," emphasizing the need to start developing players from at least the age of 16, if not earlier.

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