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Farewell message from Matt Shepherd

While Aaron Jarvis is keen to develop the College’s Rugby provision even
further, the academy’s former Head of Rugby, Matt Shepherd, made a
hugely positive effect in his time at the College.
Some of the highlights of Matt’s time at Ivybridge Community College
included winning County 7’s competitions and making the prestigious
National Schools Finals at Twickenham (where, unfortunately, Covid meant
that the final could not be played) and then again at Sandy Park in 2022.
Matt said: “I want to say thank you for the five years I have had at Ivybridge
Community College – it has been incredible.
I have had some amazing experiences and met some wonderful teachers
and students.”
Matt is now on the next part of his life journey and is currently waiting to join
the Devon and Cornwall police force.
“With a young family it was time to give back to them and be closer to
Cornwall.
It was not an easy decision as Ivybridge Community College, and the Rugby
Academy in particular, have been a huge part of my development as a
coach and a person.”

News 5

New Head of Rugby

New Head of Rugby’s ambition to deliver top-flight Rugby at College again
The end of 2022 heralded the start of a new era for Ivybridge Community
College Rugby Academy, as it waved goodbye to former Head of Rugby Matt
Shepherd and welcomed his replacement, former Ivybridge student and Welsh
international player Aaron Jarvis.
Keen to build on the recent successes of the College Rugby Academy, Aaron
has outlined his plans to revitalise the Rugby setup and return it to its former glory.
“It’s wonderful to be back in Ivybridge, coaching the team that started me on
my professional journey 20 years ago,” said Aaron.
“I loved being out on the field, but towards the end I found that my passion for
coaching was starting to outweigh the desire to play, so it’s fitting that I now
have the opportunity to help return the College to its former position as a major
force in schools Rugby.” “Living and coaching in
America was a great
Before returning to Ivybridge, Aaron’s previous role was coaching the Dallas
Jackals, one of 13 teams in the top-level North American Major League Rugby experience, but I’m thrilled
(MLR) championship. that I have come 'full circle'
and am now settling back
In addition to his role as Head of Rugby at Ivybridge Community College, Aaron
is also enjoying another role as the forwards coach at Plymouth Albion. in Devon and working at
Ivybridge Community
It is a journey that started 23 years ago when Aaron was just 13 years old and
playing for Exeter. After being called up to play for England Under 16s, he College.”
made the move to Ivybridge Community College in 2002 so that he could boost
his chances of playing professional Rugby. “I’m excited about the
next stage in my journey
“Being part of such a professional setup taught me what it would be like to train
full time and gave me the opportunity to showcase my skills in a formidable and looking forward to
team.” giving many young Rugby
players at Ivybridge
This led to Aaron’s selection for Bath, where he would make his first team debut
in 2007 and go on to play 50 times for the team. This led to Aaron’s selection for Community College the
Wales and in 2011 he signed for Ospreys – one of the four professional Rugby same opportunities as
union teams from Wales. In 2016 Aaron joined French team ASM Clermont Rugby has given me.”
Auvergne and ended his playing career back in Wales, signing for
Newport-based Dragons.