YOUNG GUNS
EXETER CHIEFS CENTRE
At just 18, Ollie Batson was recently named in Exeter Chiefs‘ squad in the Challenge Cup against Racing 92. He was among the replacements for the dramatic 31–31 draw away in Paris and while he did not make it onto the pitch, it’s an experience that has only fuelled the fire for further first team involvements.
Within the Exeter environment, Batson has benefited from working closely with one of the club’s greats in fellow centre and 74-cap England star Henry Slade.
“It was a really good experience in Paris,” Batson told The Rugby Paper. “I was a bit annoyed not to get on, but just being there, travelling and seeing how experienced players prepare for a big away game taught me a lot.
“Henry Slade’s been really helpful. If you make a mistake or ask him a question, he’s really informative. He doesn’t shout at you — he just says ‘next job’ and explains what he’d do. It’s about picking you up, not putting you down.
“Having people like Henry and Jack Yeandle around reminds you of what they’ve achieved and where we want to get back to. They’re always pushing because they want to win again.”
Batson, who returned to England U19s camp for last weekend’s 49-17 thrashing of Wales after previous involvements, says the environment continues to improve with every gathering.
That growing familiarity has translated into a strong sense of harmony within the group, something Batson feels is vital at age-grade level. He told The Rugby Paper: “It’s really good. I’ve been to a few camps now and each camp just gets better and better because you keep getting to know each other more. It’s more fun each time I come in and the crack just gets better.
“You’re not really getting to know people anymore — it’s more like reconnecting. That makes such a difference because everyone’s comfortable and you can just focus on playing rugby.”
Alongside his professional ambitions, Batson is also studying a business degree at Exeter University, where he believes the balance between rugby and education has been crucial.
“The uni side of it has been really good,” he said. “Playing through BUCS is massive, but having my degree as well keeps me occupied when I’m not playing. It’s good to switch off and put your mind into something else rather than it being rugby, rugby, rugby all the time.”
Playing in BUCS Super Rugby has been one of the standout aspects of Batson’s development this season. He added: “I think it’s the most fun games I’ve played. It’s so fast and the matches have been really high quality so far.” That speed and physicality has complemented his time with the Chiefs, where he has moved between the university and professional environments.
He said: “It’s really well linked. I started the season playing for uni, then went back into the Chiefs around Prem Cup time and stayed there. When you go back to uni, you still have to earn your place, which I quite like. Everyone fights for each other and has each other’s backs.” Comfortable at both inside and outside centre, Batson values versatility over specialising too early.
“I don’t really mind where I play,” he said. “I’ve played mostly 13 this year and it’s been just as fun. I want to be a triple threat – kick, pass, run – and be versatile enough to cover positions. That gives you more chances to be on the pitch.”
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