SHEBBEAR College boys from Forms 1 and 2 welcomed RFU community rugby coach Wayne Reed to their school for rugby training sessions on Thursday, September 8.

Wayne, a former Plymouth Albion prop and coach, also played for Exeter Chiefs, Banstaple and Launceston during his career and won representative honours with Devon, England Counties and the Barbarians.

Wayne put the boys through their paces on the school’s Dartmoor playing fields with some intense training in small groups before some practice matches. Shebbear rugby coach, Jamie Sanders, said: “It has been excellent to welcome Wayne to Shebbear and learn from his expertise. Both our players and coaches have benefited from his knowledge regarding the new age grade rules. It is crucial to ensure our players are fully prepared for the upcoming season and feel confident playing, Wayne has helped us with this training.”

Earlier this year Wayne was involved in a Deaf Awareness rugby day held in Crediton, the first event of its kind in the country, which took place as the result of collaboration between Exeter Deaf Academy, England Deaf Rugby and the RFU.

The day consisted of deaf awareness sessions in which interpreters shared information to players, parents and coaches about sign language and deaf awareness when coaching rugby. This was followed by an open coaching session which was run by Wayne and the England Deaf coaches with more than 30 boys, girls, men and women joining in.

On behalf of the school, Mark Charman said: “Shebbear College thanks Wayne for coming to the school and leading this training session. It was a real privilege to welcome such a high profile player who clearly cares about his sport and encouraging young people in his community.”