Former Exeter Chiefs player Eoghan Grace is partnering up with a school to offer an ‘elite rugby summer camp’.

Fowey River Academy will be hosting the course in August and it will be run by Eolas+, (Irish for ‘knowledge through sport’), a newly formed Community Interest Company offering sports programmes in schools across Devon and Cornwall.

Eoghan says that his aim first and foremost is to develop well-rounded individuals - with the bonus that some youngsters may come out with rugby careers.

Bursaries are available and sponsors are being sought to help any young players who may miss out on the experience due to financial constraints.

‘I am so excited to bring this programme to Cornwall and specifically Fowey,’ said Eoghan.

‘As a pro rugby player we get to train in some amazing locations, but Fowey River Academy really has a pitch and outlook just as good as any I’ve seen. I can’t wait to share my experiences with local rugby players in a great location with a partner who seems so keen to do things differently.

‘We are a not for profit organisation, so once costs are covered, everything remaining goes back into replicating the programme and bringing it to the next level.’

Also involved in the course is former Fowey student and Redruth player-coach Matt Shepherd.

Jon Rolls is father to two rugby-playing students at Fowey. He said: ‘Eoghan is a top guy with bags of real experience at the top level. 

‘This is a real step up in terms of experience and quality compared to normal rugby camps and I have no doubt it will be first class, whether you’re a budding premiership player, play the game for fun or even just a talented sportsman who’s never played rugby but fancy giving it a go.’