Exeter Chiefs have confirmed seven of their young squad have been allowed to go out on loan for the 2011/12 season.
Chiefs seal agreements with Plymouth and the Pirates
Exeter Chiefs have confirmed seven of their young squad have been allowed to go out on loan for the 2011/12 season.
Youngsters Jon Vickers, Herbie Stupple and Addison Lockley have all agreed to join Plymouth Albion, while Sam Hill, Lloyd Fairbrother and Dave Ewers will team up with Tom Cowan-Dickie at the Cornish Pirates.
With the World Cup affecting the Aviva Premiership A League programme, the Chiefs are keen for some of their rising stars to get as much game-time as possible to maintain their development.
Chiefs team manager Robin Cowling said: "It's a super opportunity for all of them.
"Last season we clearly saw the benefits from seeing a few of the lads go out on loan to clubs like the Pirates, Taunton, Redruth and the All Blacks. This year we are looking to expand on that structure by allowing a few of the academy lads to dual register with Championship clubs.
'Win-win' situation
"This is, we feel, a chance for all of them to go to a Championship club and not only develop their game within a different environment, but it is also a chance for them to go out and prove their worth and look to get within a Championship squad on a regular basis.
"Dual registration for players like this is a 'win-win situation' for not only ourselves and the players, but also for the clubs that they are going to be joining. For them to go away and experience life in the Championship can only be a good thing and it will help make the step up to Premiership level that little bit easier."
Hooker Cowan-Dickie will return to the Pirates after playing a key role in the side's run to the play-off final.
Stupple (Taunton), Lockley (Cornish All Blacks) and Fairbrother (Redruth) will also go out on loan for the second season with the trio having spent time in the National Leagues.
