EXETER College play Plymouth College today in preparation for a big festival next week.

And it comes on the back of a decent showing at a pre-season tournament in Cornwall. In that two-day event, with teams playing 24-minute matches, Exeter College were the only side not to concede a try in their five group games.

However, despite a first ever victory over fellow Exeter Chiefs Advanced Apprenticeship in Sporting Excellence (AASE) centre Ivybridge Community College 5-3, the city students didn't make it through to the semi-finals.

They drew against Millfield and St Benedicts, Ealing, but lost 3-0 against Filton College.

Head coach Jon Hill hopes his side will go on to have a successful season.

He said: "Having had 90 per cent of last year's first team move up to become second years, we have made great progression in strength and conditioning and have benefited from continuity, which we hope will allow us to become more competitive this year.

"Four players have come onto our AASE programme and these are all quality players who will become key first XV players. Our captain, John Bargent, had a fantastic tournament and is sure to be an inspiration to the others in the team and a first ever victory over Ivybridge was a great way to start the season."

The AASE Festival, which includes all academies on the programme, is due to be held at Hartpury College on September 15.