PLYMOUTH ALBION STRENGTHEN SQUAD WITH EXETER CHIEFS LOAN DUO
Plymouth Albion are pleased to confirm the addition of two highly rated Exeter Chiefs prospects, Hooker Louie Gulley and Lock Oscar Beckerleg, who join on dual registration for the 2025/26 season.
Both players follow in the footsteps of Iwan Jenkins and Charlie Bell, who have previously joined Albion on similar agreements, continuing the strong relationship between the club and the Gallagher Premiership side.
Louie Gulley has been part of the Exeter Chiefs Academy since the age of 15, developing his game on the back of formative years with Crediton RFC. The 19-year-old, inspired by his father to first pick up a rugby ball, has described playing for Chiefs as a dream come true. Already on the fringes of the first team squad, Gulley has represented England at U20 level, featuring in both the 2025 Six Nations and the upcoming World Rugby U20 Championship.
Oscar Beckerleg, born in Truro, began his rugby journey with Penzance and Newlyn RFC before progressing through Truro College and into the Chiefs Academy. The talented lock has international age-grade honours to his name, with appearances for England U18s and U19s, and was also named in Mark Mapletoft’s squad for the 2025 U20 Six Nations. Rugby runs in the family for Beckerleg, who cites the opportunity to play alongside his brother as one of the highlights of his career so far.
Head Coach Ryan Lamb welcomed the signings, saying:
“We’re delighted to bring Louie and Oscar into the group. Both are outstanding young players who have shown real quality in their development with Exeter and on the international stage. Having them here at Albion will not only strengthen our squad but also give them the opportunity to play competitive senior rugby and continue their growth. The dual registration pathway has been hugely valuable for us in recent years, and we’re excited to see how these two lads make their mark with us this season.”
After strong performances in two pre-season friendlies against Cornish Pirates and Coventry, the latter in which Gulley scored a brace as captain, the two will now feature at Brickfields.
The intention is to give both players exposure in senior matches before recalling them to Chiefs for the second block of PREM cup games.
The cup competition returns to the Chiefs’ calendar in November with fixtures against Sale Sharks in Manchester and Bristol Bears at Sandy Park
Chiefs’ director of rugby Rob Baxter said: “Our young players having regular exposure to senior rugby in a competitive league is vital for their development. This isn’t about game-time, it is an opportunity for them to grow into players who should be selected in our Premiership side.
“We have a strong relationship with Plymouth and I am delighted they have had such a strong start to the season and for some of our young players to be involved in the battle to be one of the top sides in the league can only benefit them.
“I expect every one of them to fully immerse themselves in that battle and show the character needed to be successful in this sport.”
Both players will link up with Albion as preparations continue for the upcoming campaign.
Come and see them in action at The Brickfields this weekend – and stay with us after the final whistle for the Third Half and say hello for yourself, the perfect way to round off your match day.
🎟 Tickets available now at plymouthalbion.com
