Exeter Chiefs stars appear at Cullompton RFC training

Exeter Chiefs stars Kai Hortsmann and Don Armand added their expert insight to Cullompton RFC Under 16s’ weekly training session last week, thanks to sponsors Watson Fuels.

The event, hosted on Thursday 27th February at Cullompton RFC’s Stafford Park training ground, was organised by Watson Fuels as part of their ongoing partnership with both clubs – the Wiltshire-based fuel distributor serve as the Official Fuel Supplier to the Exeter Chiefs and player sponsors of Hortsmann and Armand, as well as main club sponsors of Cullompton RFC.

18 players braved the near-freezing temperature to attend the 90 minute session and receive coaching points from the Chiefs players on all aspects of the game, focussing particularly on line outs, and rucking and mauling drills.

“The lads are all Exeter Chiefs fans and so were really excited to have Kai and Don there,” commented Ian Wood, Cullompton RFC Under 16s coach. “It’s great for our players to be able to interact with the pros and their presence certainly helped to raise the intensity of the session.”

After training, Hortsmann and Armand joined the players in the clubhouse for a short Q&A, answering questions on life as professional rugby players, and giving insight into the Chiefs’ season thus far.

“It’s great to see so many young players out here enjoying their rugby, particularly on such a cold night,” said Kai Hortmann. “We enjoyed the session, and are glad that were able to help Ian and the boys out.”

“There’s certainly some promising local rugby talent in the area,” added Armand, “And I hope we were able to offer one or two useful pointers.”

Andrew Watson, Director, Watson Fuels commented:

“Watson Fuels is proud of our respective partnerships with the Exeter Chiefs and with Cullompton RFC, and we were pleased to be able to bring the clubs together to organise the session. We extend our thanks to Kai and Don for braving the elements to offer their experience to the young players, and also to the groundsman at Cullompton RFC for battling against the adverse weather to somehow produce a pitch upon which to train!”

Famed for its distinctive red fuel tankers, Watson Fuels supplies home heating oil, farm fuels, road diesel and a wide range of industrial lubricants throughout the West Country, and beyond. Founded in 1957, the firm has expanded from its origins in rural Wiltshire, and now delivers through a national network of 45 depots nationwide, including local offices in Great Torrington, Totnes and Cullompton.