West Buckland School Announces Exciting New Rugby Association with Exeter Chiefs. 

West Buckland School is proud to be working with Exeter Chiefs, one of the UK’s leading professional rugby clubs, to enhance the school’s rugby provision for both boys and girls across the school.

As part of this initiative, West Buckland School has welcomed a team of experienced coaches from Exeter Chiefs for two days every week.

The coaching team includes:

• Hope Rogers – Elite level international rugby player and vetran of 4 World Cups.
• Taz Bricknell – A dynamic back-row player for Exeter Chiefs Women, Taz has represented England at U20s, U18s, and U18s Sevens, and previously played for Bristol Bears and Gloucester-Hartpury.
• Kayleigh Priest – A versatile hooker/back-row player, Kayleigh has played for Kingsbridge, captained Exeter College, and has been capped for England U18s.
• David Armstrong – A dedicated Community Development Coach with Exeter Chiefs, David brings valuable experience in grassroots rugby and youth engagement.

These coaches work closely with pupils during both games lessons and extracurricular activities, offering tailored guidance and encouragement. Their role goes beyond skill development – they help students build confidence, understand the importance of teamwork, and foster resilience through sport.

By creating a positive and inclusive environment, the coaches aim to ignite a lifelong passion for physical activity and healthy living, inspiring pupils to stay active and engaged well beyond their school years.

“This association marks a significant step forward in the school’s sporting ambitions,” commented Mr Josh Lord, Head of Rugby at West Buckland School. “It reinforces our dedication to nurturing talent, promoting inclusivity, and building strong community ties through sport.”