The scholarship has allowed me to make the most of the training at university while maintaining on top of my degree.

Sam Morley, student recipient of a sports scholarship

Nurturing our students’ sporting talent

Thanks to generous donations from our alumni and supporters we are able to offer our most talented sporting students scholarships to help nurture their talent.

Sam Morley was able to work on his rugby whilst at Exeter thanks to a generous sports scholarship donation from alumnus Phil (Politics, 1994) and Megan Drury.

This year, Sam Morley signed contracts with Exeter Chiefs following an outstanding season that saw Sam train with England U20, highlighting the pathway for student athletes and the opportunity that sports scholarships provide, not only for Premiership clubs but also Championship and National League with a number of players confirming their graduate roles in the professional trade of rugby.

Sam commented on receiving the scholarship: “My rugby has really progressed as a result of the scholarship this year. I trained with England U20's over the Christmas period which was a great experience! Also, I made my senior debut for Exeter Chiefs in the Anglo Welsh against Northampton Saints. Last month, I received a professional academy contract so I am now balancing university studies and professional rugby. It is definitely keeping me busy but I am loving it at the same time.”

“The scholarship has allowed me to make the most of the training at university while maintaining on top of my degree.”

Similarly thanks to a donation from alumnus Peter Cohen (Economics and Statistics, 1974), first year student Ethan Bamber (BA Theology) received a sports scholarship which enabled him to develop his sporting talent at Exeter whilst balancing studying for his degree.

This year Ethan signed his first professional contract with Middlesex County Cricket. Middlesex offered Ethan a three year summer deal, which will allow him to play professional cricket at the highest level whilst continuing with his academic studies at the University of Exeter.

Ethan commented on how the scholarship has helped his sporting career: “I have been lucky enough to have signed a three year summer contract with Middlesex! I was also lucky enough to play in the U19 World Cup in New Zealand, an experience which I relished and enjoyed immensely, the memories of this experience and the country will not be erased easily.”