HI, WE'RE BEN AND SAM
Friends since we were 6 years old, we grew up playing for Topsham Rugby Club in Devon. Now in our 30's, we're both still as in love with rugby as we were in the 90's.
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TWO FRIENDS, WITH TWO RUGBY JOURNEYS
Growing up, we had the same dream: to make rugby our careers. At 16, Ben was picked up by Exeter Chiefs Academy, and Sam continued playing for Topsham. It wasn't until Sam turned 18 that he got picked up by Exeter Senior Academy.
BEN PERSUED A PASSION FOR COACHING
After realising professional rugby wasn’t his path, Ben qualified as a teacher and spent 7 years as a Director of Rugby at King's School Bruton. He’s since coached at Bath Academy and now works with Exeter College and Exeter University as a rugby coach.
AND SAM PLAYED PROFESSIONALLY
Sam was given an opportunity by Exeter Chiefs Forwards Coach, Rob Hunter, to play professionally. After gaining a few kilos and receiving top level coaching, Sam ended up being part of the Premiership and European double in 2020. He now plays for Edinburgh and Scotland. ​
FROM BOTH SIDES, WE NOTICED TALENT SLIPPING THROUGH THE NET
Ben has witnessed too many players missing out on their reaching potential over the years. Whilst had it not been for a punt taken by one coach, Sam would have been one of those players who slipped through the net.
AND SO TOP RUGBY WAS BORN
By combining Ben's expert coaching with Sam's professional experience, we've created Top Rugby (The Open Pathway). Our goal is to help players unlock your full potential through top-tier coaching, and then leverage our rugby connections to provide the right opportunities for your next step.