Former Millfield rugby players sign for Exeter Chiefs

Pictured above: Oliver Burrows

Millfield recent leavers and rugby stars Oliver Burrows and Dan John have signed contracts with Exeter Chiefs for the 2020-21 season.

Eighteen-year-old Oliver has signed with the premiership rugby side for four years where he will run his rugby commitments alongside his degree in International Business Management at University of Exeter. He has previously played for Osprey’s Academy as well as the national Wales’ U18 side. Oliver joined Millfield in Lower Sixth on a scholarship and has fond memories from his time here as a rugby player.

He says: “Being offered a scholarship and bursary for my rugby was something I could never turn down and it’s turned out to be the best decision I’ve ever made. Whilst at Exeter I’m hoping to have a good couple of years developing and progressing with Wales U20s, before hopefully becoming a regular in the premiership. Eventually the dream is to play for Wales.”

Welsh-born Dan has joined the prestigious Chiefs for the next three years where he hopes to push for a premiership debut. Dan, son of Pontypridd and Wales scrum-half Paul John, is currently playing for Wales U20s having been picked for the Welsh Exiles Programme.

Dan says “Millfield offered me a great academic system which ran flexibly alongside my rugby commitments leading to successfully getting into Exeter. For pupils starting at Millfield I’d advise them to take all the opportunities available at Millfield. Even though it’s said a lot, your Millfield experience will be over so quickly so make the most of it!”

Pictured above: Dan John

Both Oliver and Dan were part of the 2020 golden year for Millfield Rugby with five international age grade rugby players in its first team.

Millfield’s Director of Rugby is ex-Bath and England player John Mallett, who is also a former Millfield pupil. He is supported by a team of 18 coaches, and in January 2019 Millfield appointed Mike Baxter (Bath and Scotland Sevens) as Assistant Director of Rugby. Girls’ rugby is significantly growing in popularity and status, history was made earlier this year with the first girls’ rugby fixture taking place on the Sir Gareth Edwards pitch.