More (rugby) stars for city hotel!

An Exeter hotel is gearing up to welcome one of the teams playing in The Rugby World Cup 2015.

Tonga face Namibia at Sandy Park, home of the Exeter Chiefs, on Tuesday September 29.

By then they will be truly settled into their new West Country surroundings, as the players and coaching staff arrive, with their families, at the Mercure Exeter Southgate hotel this Saturday (September 19), the day after the Pool C side take on Georgia in Gloucester.

The squad will use the hotel, in Southernhay, as their base, whilst training at Exeter University, as they prepare for the match with Namibia, the first Rugby World Cup fixture taking place at Sandy Park.

Tamsyn Parsons, Sales Manager at the hotel, said: “We are delighted to be welcoming the Tongan team to the Mercure Exeter Southgate. They will be with us for 10 days and we’ll be making sure they have a wonderful stay, helping them to focus and be at their very best for the tournament.

“We are actually used to rugby sides at the hotel, as many of the Premiership Rugby teams often book with us when playing the Exeter Chiefs. But obviously, it’s fantastic to have a top international side here. All the staff are looking forward to it, and of course wishing them luck in the competition.”

The hotel are welcoming 10 families and they will be exploring the city in between games during their stay.

The rugby theme continues with the hotel’s new Gate House Business Club key event, where top international female rugby referee Sara Cox will be talking to members, on Thursday September 24, 12.30-1.45pm, in the hotel’s lounge terrace.

Members of the new business club receive 10% off best available rates, the Gate House Restaurant and Bar, corporate meetings and events.

They also benefit from corporate membership of Spa Naturel Fitness, exclusive special offers and promotions and invites to Gate House networking lunches.

Victoria Hatfield, Chair of Exeter and the Heart of Devon Tourism Partnership, said: “The importance of The Rugby World Cup 2015 for Exeter and Devon goes way beyond hosting the three matches. Squads based and training here, the Fanzone offering live matches and entertainment in Northernhay Gardens and the influx of supporters are also fantastic boosts for the area.”