Hepher appointed to academy development pathway role

Ali Hepher has been appointed to an academy performance coach role within Exeter Chiefs’ development pathway.

With 16 years of experience at Chiefs, Hepher brings valuable knowledge of both the club and the sport to the role, which will be crucial to developing future Chiefs players and guiding pathway coaches.

Chiefs director of rugby Rob Baxter said: “Personally, I’m really pleased to have Ali on board in this new role which encompasses him working on the coaching and skills development of our young players from aged 16 onwards.

“Ali will also have input on the talent identification for our pre-16 academy cohort. He’ll work alongside our academy coaches to ensure the development of those players through our system and create a smooth transition for them into our senior set-up.

“It’s a role I am very keen for Ali to take up this season. I think it allows us to get some top quality, very experienced coaching into our academy group, both for coach education and to keep a close eye on our best young players coming through.

“We want them to get attention in all the key fundamentals of how to play. Not just the skills of how to catch, pass and tackle but that ability to read the game and decipher how things are going to unfold.

“Also, it’s about ensuring they know how to be a professional rugby player from a very young age, to understand the standards you must set and the challenges you’re going to face.

“I think this is a very positive step for us in terms of developing Exeter players for the future.”

Prior to becoming an assistant coach at Exeter in 2009, Hepher was an integral part of the Northampton Saints academy system meaning he has a deep and proven knowledge of how to get the best from young players emerging through development pathways.

Having achieved success in both domestic and European competitions, Hepher will also be able to impart first-hand knowledge to players about the commitment and skill required to reach the peak of the game.

Chairman and chief executive Tony Rowe CBE said: “Ali was a vital part of our coaching team in a prolonged period of success for the club. Having spoken to Rob, I felt this role was key to the future advancement of our squad and the experience that Ali would bring is considerable. So, I am glad to welcome him back to Chiefs and I look forward to seeing the positive impact he has on our player pathway.”