Hometown: St Columb Major
Course: BSc (Hons) Applied Sport and Health Science
Next Steps: Strength and Conditioning Coach for Exeter Chiefs
Lachlan previously studied the BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Sport at Truro College and enrolled in the Rugby Academy during his time on the course.
His love of sport and coaching then led to him deciding to continue his studies on campus at university level, with the BSc (Hons) Applied Sport and Health Science degree.
Having previously trained with expert coaching staff from the Exeter Chiefs during his time in the Rugby Academy, Lachlan knew he wanted to pursue a career in coaching, and the opportunity to work for Exeter Chiefs at the College was a big reason behind his decision to stay and study at the University Centre.
“I found that the opportunity to get volunteer work in the area that I wanted to pursue as my future career was very plentiful and I knew if I pushed myself, it wouldn’t matter that I’m in a smaller pool of people,” Lachlan explained.
He soon found the smaller class sizes and more one-to-one support the University Centre provided was the perfect place for him. Initially struggling in his first year, Lachlan found that the support provided by lecturing and support staff enabled him to push himself to go further, and he is now due to graduate with First Class Honours.
“I had more teacher contact time which I felt was necessary for me to progress,” Lachlan said.
“The one-to-one support was especially helpful in my first year when I did struggle, and having that one-to-one support meant I knuckled down and ultimately in my third year my hard work paid off and got me a First Class Honours.”
“All of my lecturers were amazing,” Lachlan added. “My tutor, Pip, is one of the nicest people I’ve ever met, and Jeff was full of knowledge and helped with my dissertation. His feedback gave me the push and boost to go further.”
Lachlan has accessed many opportunities whilst studying at the University Centre to progress in his future career endeavours, and in his second year, began paid employment with the Exeter Chiefs.
A highlight of Lachlan’s time at the University Centre was the opportunity to attend the SANIX World Rugby Youth Tournament 2024 in Fukuoka, Japan, with the Truro College rugby team, and handing in his final dissertation whilst in Japan.
After completion of his third year, Lachlan has now secured employment as the full time Strength and Conditioning Coach for Exeter Chiefs at the College’s Rugby Academy, a career that has been years in the making for him.
Lachlan’s advice for future students is to: “Put the time in – there’s times when you might feel like it’s difficult, but you’ve just got to keep going. There were times when I got in my own head and stressed myself out but it’s worth it.”
“Being here you’re in a lovely environment, it’s quite relaxing and so open – all the lecturers want to help you, they all want you to do well.”
“Instead of being a small fish in an enormous pond, you’re able to be one of a few fish in a good-sized pond.”
