Exeter rugby set for starring role in Six Nations

A strong continent of rugby stars from the University of Exeter will be on show at the forthcoming Six Nations Championship.

Four players with ties to the University have been selected for their nation’s squads for the prestigious tournament, which begins in February 2024.

Dafydd Jenkins has been named as Wales captain for the forthcoming series. The 21-year-old will lead a group that contains five uncapped players, with a further eight in line for a championship debut.

Dafydd, who also represents the Exeter Chiefs, is studying for a degree in Sports Science at the University of Exeter.

Jenkins has enjoyed considerable success in recent years, from scoring the winning try and lifting the BUCS Super Rugby title in 2022, to having the honour of captaining Exeter Chiefs for the first time and becoming the youngest ever to do so.

He is now a mainstay of the Wales squad, and was called him up to the World Cup squad alongside fellow Exeter Uninviesity alumni Christ Tshuinza.

Burgeoning talent Immanual Feyi-Waboso, who also plays on the wing for the Exeter Chiefs, has received his first call up for the England squad for the Six Nations.

Immanual moved to Exeter in 2022 from Wasps, and has been recognised for his speed, strength and footwork, making him one of the most dangerous wingers in the Premiership.

As well as being a key player of Exeter Chief’s youthful team, he is also studying for a medical degree at the University of Exeter.

Meanwhile, Ross Vintcent, an Economic student at the University of Exeter, has been called up for the Italian squad. Ross is part of the University’s Rugby performance programme and has previously played for Italy’s u-20s team.

Sam Skinner, is also included in the Scotland squad for the championship. Sam is an alumni of the University, having achieved a first in Business and Economics, and also captained the University side to a 2016 BUCS Championship.

Alison Davidson, Director of Sport at the University of Exeter said: It’s great to see three current students representing their respective nations at the highest level. To achieve this whilst still studying at the University is particularly impressive.

“This highlights their commitment to developing their rugby careers alongside their degrees as part of our performance sport programme and partnership with Exeter Chiefs. We wish them the best of luck for the tournament and look forward to following their progress.”