Rugby Academy demand highlights strong appetite for sport at Cornwall College

An additional April taster session has been added following phenomenal early demand for the Cornwall College Rugby Academy at its Camborne campus.

“The response to our first Rugby Academy taster session has been exceptional,” said Josh Matavesi, Head Coach of the Cornwall College Rugby Academy.

“To see it fully booked within hours shows young people want access to high-level rugby training that fits alongside their studies and supports their wider development.”

Since the launch of the Cornwall College Rugby Academy at the end of 2025, interest from young people across the region has exceeded expectations. The first opportunity to train with Cornish rugby legend and former Fiji international Josh Matavesi filled all available places within hours of opening.

In response, Cornwall College has confirmed a second Rugby Academy taster session on 16 April, giving more prospective students the chance to experience academy-level coaching at Cornwall College Camborne.

The session will offer a practical insight into the academy environment, including a rugby training session on the College’s astro pitch, strength and conditioning work in the gym, and an overview of how the Rugby Academy operates alongside full-time study. Attendees will also receive information about new sport courses starting at Cornwall College in September 2026.

Training will be led by Josh Matavesi alongside Rugby Academy Head of Rugby Matt Shepherd, a respected figure in Cornish rugby, with support from Sam Coogan, Head of Athletic Development at the College. Together, the coaching team will introduce players to the standards, expectations and support available through the academy.

The Cornwall College Rugby Academy is a structured academy programme designed to sit alongside students’ main college studies, with training timetabled around lessons to enrich the overall college experience. 

The academy forms part of Cornwall College’s wider commitment to sport and to supporting local rugby, with strong community partnerships that help create clear development pathways for young players. Close links with organisations including the RFU, Camborne RFC and the Cornish Pirates strengthen the academy’s connection to the local game and reinforce its role within Cornwall’s rugby community.

As part of a broader expansion of its sports offer, Cornwall College is also introducing two sport-related courses closely aligned with the Rugby Academy for school leavers starting in September 2026. These pathways are designed to allow students to combine academic study with high-quality rugby training and athletic development at the Camborne campus.

Luke Bazeley, Assistant Principal for General Further Education at Cornwall College, said: “The Rugby Academy adds real value to the student experience. It gives young people a clear reason to choose Cornwall College Camborne by offering something distinctive that complements their studies and supports progression.”

Places for the additional taster session (16 April) are expected to be in high demand. The event is aimed at young people interested in joining the Cornwall College Rugby Academy from September and studying at Cornwall College Camborne, with early booking advised.

Book your place on the Rugby Academy Taster Event on the Cornwall College website at bit.ly/CCRugbyTaster