Cornish Pirates Prepare for League Trip to Worcester Warriors

The Cornish Pirates are heading to Worcester on Saturday for what could be one of their most interesting fixtures of the season, as they prepare to face the Warriors at Sixways Stadium for the first time in a league match since January 2015.

Worcester’s Return Sets the Stage

Worcester entered administration in 2022 and later confirmed in April 2025 that the club would compete in the new tier 2 league, Champ Rugby, for the 2025–26 season. They currently sit in second place behind Ealing Trailfinders, adding another layer of weight to this weekend’s meeting.

Pirates Make Two Changes

The fourth-placed Pirates have made only two changes to the starting line-up that beat Richmond last weekend. Chester Ribbons, who returned to action as a replacement, starts in the centre alongside Joe Elderkin. In the pack, a fit again Morgan Nelson takes the hooker shirt.

On the bench, Matt Cannon and Arwel Robson have both been cleared to return.

Alan Paver Looks Ahead

Joint head coach Alan Paver praised the team’s recent run, saying:
“Firstly, following our latest victory versus Richmond it has been very pleasing to register five wins on the trot, which is no easy achievement.
“Now, having had some contrasting games, we are excitedly looking forward to travelling to Sixways this weekend, where the plastic surface means it will be quick, and they are improving every week.
“With both teams hitting some form, each will be looking to get something out of the match, so I am thinking big crowd, a great occasion, and a fine stadium atmosphere, it is all set up for a classic encounter.
“It will also, of course, likely be an opportunity to meet up with our former players Will Trewin and Billy Keast, so perhaps we had better take with us a pasty or two!”

Full Pirates Selection

Cornish Pirates:
15 Iwan Price Thomas
14 Matty Ward
13 Chester Ribbons
12 Joe Elderkin
11 Ben Cambriani
10 Louie Sinclair
9 Dan Hiscocks (captain)
1 Billy Young
2 Morgan Nelson
3 Alfie Petch
4 Charlie Rice
5 Alfie Bell
6 Josh King
7 Jack Forsythe
8 Tomi Agbongbon

Replacements:
16 Matt Pritchard
17 Alessandro Heaney
18 James French
19 Matt Cannon
20 Rory Suttor
21 Will Rigelsford
22 Arwel Robson
2 Harry Yates

Referee: Ben Wood
Assistants: Jack Sutton and Holly Wood
Official 4: Paul Box

The Pirates will be hoping their recent form carries them through what promises to be a fast and lively contest at Sixways.