Sport at the University
Atlantic challenge – Rowing
Last time we caught up with alumnus Matt Bladen (Economics and Politics, 2019) he was preparing to row across the Atlantic in December 2023 with friend George Farmiloe.
Matt and George are braving the gruelling challenge for a local charity, Acorns Children’s Hospice, and gave us an update ahead of their departure: “In mid-October, our ocean rowing boat, Pegasus, was dropped off to be shipped to the start line in La Gomera, Canary Islands. At that point, we had finally completed all of our mandatory training hours on the boat, training courses, and ticked off all of the race requirements with an endless list of equipment and supplies.
“We left the UK on Wednesday 29 November for the start line in La Gomera. The race start date is Tuesday 12 December – from which point we will be at sea completely unsupported until our arrival in Antigua roughly 40-45 days later, weather permitting.
“Our aim of the challenge is to raise £100,000 for Acorns Children’s Hospice, in memory of our friend Jack Dyer, who sadly passed away in late 2020 aged just 16 as a direct result of the severe cerebral palsy he developed from birth.”
Matt and George successfully completed their challenge on 22 January 2024 after 40 days, 16 hours, and 20 minutes at sea! You can look back on their journey and show some support over on their Instagram page:
Olympic debut for Freya Black – Sailing
Current Sports Scholar and Philosophy, Politics and Economics student, Freya Black, has been selected to represent Team GB Sailing at the Paris 2024 Olympics with three-time Olympian Saskia Tidey.
Freya and Saskia first partnered at the end of 2021 and have had success ever since. The duo qualified for the nation after coming 5th at the Sailing World Cup Championships and we are very much looking forward to watching Freya fulfil her Olympic goals.
Freya says: “Being officially selected to represent Team GB at the Olympics is a surreal feeling. I am so happy and excited to compete in the waters of Marseille. It’s a really cool venue with a wide variety of conditions so we will be training hard all winter in hopes of achieving a medal. Me and Saskia are great friends, we get on really well and it’s really easy because we have pretty similar personalities. And as a team we really work well under pressure so that’s a massive strength of how we work together.”
Keith Fleming retires, and we welcome Gareth Elliot – Men’s Rugby
After over 15 years at the helm, University of Exeter’s Director of Rugby, Keith Fleming, retired from his role ahead of the 2023-24 season.
Keith turned Exeter into the most formidable university side in the country and was responsible for the development of many players, who have gone on to have distinguished careers. Keith played a critical role in forming the strong partnership that exists today with the Exeter Chiefs, allowing players to experience a fully professional rugby environment, whilst at university. During his time at Exeter, in excess of 50 students have gone on to play elite-level rugby across a range of professional clubs.
Following Keith’s retirement, we were delighted to welcome Gareth Elliott as the new Head of Men’s Rugby. With an extensive background in coaching and performance analysis, Gareth brings a wealth of experience that will undoubtedly contribute to the continued success of the University’s rugby programme.
With an impressive track record, Gareth has proven his ability to excel both on and off the field. His passion for rugby, coupled with his proven ability to foster talent and drive success, aligns perfectly with the University of Exeter Sport’s mission to provide an outstanding sporting experience to players of all levels and ages.
Cricket success for Exeter’s John Turner
Current Sports Scholar and third year Economics and Finance student, John Turner, has been causing waves on the cricket scene.
The 22 year old born in Johannesburg South Africa, is admittedly a Springboks fan with his late rugby player grandfather, Freddy Turner, representing his country in 11 tests. However, after the completion of his residency and to our delight, John is England through and through for cricket. Already a familiar face outside of Exeter cricket, John plays for Hampshire and last summer reached the Vitality Blast Finals Day with the team, which saw fellow Exeter alumnus Tom Abell’s (Exercise and Sport Sciences with French, 2015) Somerset win.
John went on to be awarded an ECB development contract as well as places in England’s one-day and T20 squads touring at the end of November, which followed his tour of Dubai with England Lions. An extremely busy and momentous period for John, who chose not to defer his final year at Exeter and is currently juggling both his sporting career and university studies!
John says: “I was extremely surprised when I received that initial call about being selected for England last summer, but I couldn’t have been prouder or more excited for the opportunity to play on the biggest stage. The support that I have received from both the coaches involved in the cricket at Exeter and all the performance staff and lecturers has been unbelievable.”
Sports Scholarships are supported in part by a number of donors. In recent years, our cricket programme has benefitted especially from the generous support of alumni including Professor Jenny Harrow (Politics, 1968) and Peter Cohen (Economics and Statistics, 1974).
Tackle by current student Christ Tshiunza (EURFC, Exeter Chiefs, and Wales).
Women’s Lacrosse (EULC).
Football (EUAFC).
Sailing (EUSC).
