Irish Prop James French Joins Cornish Pirates: A Boost for the Upcoming Season

In an exciting development for rugby fans, the Cornish Pirates have announced the signing of James French, a promising prop from Ireland.

This latest addition follows the recent signings of Iwan Price-Thomas, Matt Cannon, and Harry Yates, marking a period of significant strengthening for the team ahead of the forthcoming season.

From Cork to Cornwall

James French, 25, hails from Cork and brings with him a wealth of experience and versatility. Initially starting his rugby journey as a centre, James transitioned to the back-row before finally settling into the prop position. His athletic background is notable; he was an All-Ireland schoolboy shot put champion during his time at Bandon Grammar School.

Rising Through the Ranks

James’s rugby career took a significant step forward in 2018 when he was selected to compete for Ireland in the Six Nations Under 20s Championship. That same year, he joined the Munster academy, where he honed his skills and gained valuable experience. His hard work paid off when he was promoted to the senior squad on a one-year contract for the 2021-22 season. James made his senior competitive debut in a Champions Cup match against Wasps and later secured a two-year contract extension in January 2022.

Moving to Ulster and Beyond

After his stint with Munster, James signed with Ulster, where he continued to develop his game. Now, he brings his talents to the Cornish Pirates, a move that has generated excitement within the team and among supporters.

Coach’s Perspective

Alan Paver, Cornish Pirates’ joint head coach, expressed his enthusiasm about working with James. “James has a great profile and although still a young man has been in some top-class environments,” Paver commented. “A player who has a chance to be a frontrunner week in and week out, because of the growth still left in him, and because of our experience in helping push on such gifted young players, we are very much looking forward to getting James in and to get him up and running.”

Looking Ahead

As the Cornish Pirates gear up for the new season, the addition of James French is expected to bolster their squad and add depth to their forward pack. Fans will be eager to see how James’s presence influences the team’s performance and contributes to their aspirations for the upcoming campaign.