Cornwall College’s new Camborne rugby academy opens with a win

A fresh set of navy and gold shirts got their first outing on a rugby pitch this month, and the young players wearing them marked the occasion with a 28-10 win.

A winning debut in new colours

Cornwall College‘s Rugby Academy has opened its season with victory over Truro School, the team’s first fixture since the academy launched at Cornwall College Camborne earlier this year. It is a post-16 programme built around the idea that 16 to 18-year-olds can develop their rugby alongside their studies, and the new kit worn in the win against Truro School is the latest visible step in a wider partnership between the college, sports operator FLX and Camborne Rugby Club.

The launch of the kit was marked with an official video, Rugby is back to the heartlands.

Study and rugby side by side

Students on the academy can take any course across the Cornwall College Group while training and developing their game, with courses at the college listed at cornwall.ac.uk. Alongside the rugby itself, the programme covers strength and conditioning, performance analysis, nutrition, rehabilitation and wellbeing support, all built into the students’ wider college experience.

Head Coach Josh Matavesi, who brings his background in professional and international rugby to the role, said the opening result set the tone for the season ahead. “What a fantastic game it was. To see the players step out in their new kit, represent Cornwall College and then come away with a 28-10 win against Truro School was a brilliant way to start the season.”

Connecting the academy to Cornish rugby

Head of Rugby Matt Shepherd said the academy is designed to sit within the wider Cornish rugby scene rather than apart from it. “The academy is designed to become part of the wider Cornish rugby community. This is about creating a strong pathway for young players and connecting education with the clubs, coaches and opportunities already available across Cornwall.”

“Seeing the students in their new kit makes that pathway feel very real,” he continued. “They are representing Cornwall College, but they are also becoming part of the wider rugby community here in Cornwall, and we’re excited to see where that takes them.”

The academy sits within Cornwall College’s designated enrichment programme, which gives students time to develop interests and skills alongside their main course. Luke Bazeley, Head of Cornwall College Camborne, said: “The Rugby Academy is a fantastic way for our students to enrich their college experience through something they are passionate about. The designated enrichment period gives students the chance to develop skills beyond their main programme of study, and rugby provides a brilliant environment for building confidence, teamwork, discipline and leadership.”

A partnership built around people

The tie-up with FLX and Camborne Rugby Club gives academy students access to expertise and experience beyond the classroom. Tanya Thomas, Head of Commercial & Partnerships at FLX, said: “We’re delighted to be involved and to support the college as the academy develops, both in the rugby programme and in the wider growth of these students as players and individuals.”

“FLX, Fan Led X, is built around people,” she continued. “We deliver smarter, safer and more resilient sports and event operations through tech-enabled experiences that improve flow, reduce friction and strengthen the guest journey from arrival to exit. By supporting the Cornwall College Rugby Academy, FLX is bringing our core belief into action, improving experiences by putting people first. It’s a very exciting time for the academy and for FLX.”