We are pleased to announce that 6 of our original cohort of Vipers Academy students have been offered development contracts with the senior section of the club.
The Academy which started in September 2019 was introduced to provide a vehicle to support young adults academically, socially and to enhance their rugby development. The Academy also aligns itself with our playing pathway and acts as a bridge between senior and youth rugby.
Academy Head Coach Ben Penfold added “It’s great to see the progression of the 6 students in the last 18 months, it’s been a strange time but they have utilised this time off well with extending their work on skills, physical fitness and video analysis work whilst learning remote. It’s been a great journey so far and credit to each student in the Vipers academy who have pushed each other. This is exactly why we set this up, to create a real pathway by combining education with rugby studies and it’s great to finally show the end goal with these 6 students progressing through into Cambridge’s squad. A big thanks to Simon Leader and Rob Conquest too who were influential in their 1st year on the course. “
Richie Williams DOR stated “I am excited that we are able to welcome the 6 players into our senior environment and add another layer to their development. I have been impressed by their attitude and willingness to learn on and off the field. It is our hope that with continued support, these players will soon be capable of playing 1st XV rugby. It highlights our clear investment in our pathway and enhances our growing reputation of being a leading club in player development”
The selected players are:
- Jamari Dowdie Wright (Prop)
- Luke Hare (Prop)
- Ryan Curtis (Back Row)
- Harry Holmes (Scrum Half)
- Tom Powell (Fly Half)
- Fraser Murray (Winger)
