After over 15 years at the helm, University of Exeter, Director of Rugby, Keith Fleming is retiring from his role ahead of the 2023-24 season.
A stalwart of the game, Keith turned Exeter into the most formidable University side in the country and was responsible for the development of a large number of players, who have gone on to have distinguished careers.
Keith played a critical role in forming the strong partnership that exists today with Exeter Chiefs, allowing players to experience a fully professional rugby environment, whilst at university. During his time at Exeter, in excess of 50 students have gone on to play elite-level rugby across a range of professional clubs. Under Keith’s tutelage, University of Exeter have become and sustained themselves as a powerhouse of university rugby, rising through the English league pyramid, to National 2 West.
In BUCS University rugby, Keith turned University of Exeter into a titan of the game. Reaching five men’s championship semi-finals between 2009 and 2015, before going on to win their second ever BUCS Gold in 2016 at Twickenham, against rivals Loughborough. As well as his success with the men’s side of the programme, Keith was paramount in the growth, development and success of the women’s programme at Exeter too, with the women securing back-to-back BUCS championship titles in 2018 and 2019.
As the BUCS Super Rugby era kicked off, Exeter continued to be a presence at the top of the league, finishing twice on top of the pile and securing second place in every other season. The club remains the only university in the country, to have reached the semi-finals of every BUCS Super Rugby season since its inception.
In 2022 Keith took the team, to another victory in the championship cup final, after a pulsating match against Durham. A year later at StoneX, Exeter went back-to-back, securing an extra-time victory against Loughborough, in what was dubbed ‘the greatest university rugby match of all-time.’
Last season wasn’t quite the same for Exeter, with the familiar trainers and green raincoat missing from the sideline. However, Keith’s presence throughout the club and on matchdays was still keenly felt. It is a true testament to the Keith that the programme continued to thrive and achieve, despite him not being there in person.
Although Keith was unable to attend the BUCS Super Rugby final last season, it is a credit to him, that the first thoughts of the squad and the staff, were to thank him. The title was described as, ‘A Cup for Keith,’ and that sentiment could not be truer.
His legacy as Director of Rugby is one that will forever be remembered in the University of Exeter. In the BUCS Super Rugby era alone, It is not just the on-field successes and the list of successful rugby alumni that have made Keith Fleming a revered character within rugby circles. Any player who has spent time in the University of Exeter programme will attest to the way in which Keith helped shape them as a person, as well as a rugby player.
University of Exeter would like to wish Keith their sincerest thanks and gratitude, for everything he has given to the rugby club and wish him all the very best in his retirement.