Enrichment

Q: What is the ACE League?
A: The ACE League is a high-level rugby competition managed by the RFU for under-18 players. Each Premiership club has at least two ACE state schools/ colleges in their region. The main purpose is to accelerate development and provide a pathway for aspiring players into professional rugby academies.

Q: What are “ringfenced” ACE players?
A: These are the 30 players selected to represent Peter Symonds College in the ACE League. They commit fully to college rugby during the ACE season (September–December) and do not play club rugby during this period.

Q: Who are “Emerging ACE” players?
A: Emerging ACE players train alongside the ACE Team. They play mainly in the 1st XV but have access to ACE-level coaching, training, and support, preparing them for potential selection in future fixtures. There is opportunity to progress into the ACE squad depending on performances and injury / unavailability. 

Q: Can students still play club rugby?
A: Emerging ACE and 1st XV players may continue with their clubs, but ringfenced ACE players focus solely on college rugby during the ACE season to avoid overtraining and conflicting commitments.

Q: How many rugby places are available each year?
A: Up to 45 places are available each March to Year 11 students for entry into the ACE Squad. This includes both ACE Team and Emerging ACE players.

Q: How are players selected for ACE rugby?
A: Selection is based on performance at an open trial in September 2026 followed by invitational assessment sessions held in January and February 2027, followed by integration sessions in July 2027. Commitment, attitude, and potential are key selection factors.

Q: Am I a good enough player for ACE or Emerging ACE rugby?
A: If you consider yourself a good enough player to be a starting player in a County Under 15’s Team, then yes, and this is the next step up.

Q: What if I am not sure if I am a good enough player for ACE or Emerging ACE rugby?
A: You would attend the conventional college trials, open to all incoming students on the 25th August 2027, if we felt at that stage, you were good enough, we would immediately offer you a place on either the emerging ACE program or within the Ringfenced ACE team.

Q: What academic options are available?
A: ACE players are full-time Peter Symonds College students and have access to the full range of A-Level and vocational courses. The programme is designed to balance sporting and academic commitments effectively.

Q: What happens if I withdraw from the ACE program?
A: For a player where no conditional offer was made, they would have the option to drop into the Peter Symonds 1st or 2nd XV, they would still be eligible to play 7’s or T1 rugby at college.  In the event that a student who has been provided with a conditional offer withdraws from the ACE program, they may lose their place at Peter Symonds, a review meeting would be convened before a final decision is made. 

Q: What happens after the ACE season ends?
A: When the ACE season concludes in December, each player’s journey becomes more individualised.

• Year 12 and 13 players selected for the Bath Rugby Academy will transition into the U17 or U18 programme.
• Year 12 students not selected for the Academy will continue competing in AOC league fixtures, focusing on development and preparation for the following season.
• Year 13 students may transition into the AOC Cup fixtures or 7s rugby programme, maintaining their rugby involvement while balancing academic commitments.