Richard Wastnage joins Cornish Pirates Owners Consortium

A new face was in the stands at The Mennaye this weekend, and his arrival could shape the club’s future on and off the pitch.

The Cornish Pirates have announced Richard Wastnage as the latest member of their Owners Consortium, with the businessman attending Saturday’s home fixture as a club owner for the first time.

A career built in pharmaceuticals

Richard spent 18 years working as a pharmacist across the NHS and the pharmaceutical industry before turning his attention to building his own business. He went on to co-found and own the Pharmaxo Group, a UK provider of compounded aseptic injectable products and high-tech homecare services for NHS and private hospitals. The company was sold to Icon Group in 2024 after 25 years under his ownership.

His connections to Cornwall and to the Pirates run deeper than this latest move, however. Richard is also an owner of One Atlantek, a luxury hospitality, property management and rental business based in Cornwall. One Atlantek is a current club sponsor and will continue that sponsorship into next season.

A rugby fan stepping into the boardroom

Outside of business, Richard is a keen follower of rugby and cricket, and spends his spare time cycling and on the golf course.

Speaking about his new role, he said: “I’m really looking forward to helping the Pirates to build on their strong and vibrant rugby culture, heritage and supporter engagement both on and off the field.”

He added: “This Saturday’s game should be exciting, so I can’t wait to be there at The Mennaye and experience the atmosphere in person.”

CEO welcomes ‘brilliant fit’

Cornish Pirates CEO Sally Pettipher said the new owner had impressed from the outset.

“From our first meeting, I knew that Richard would be a brilliant fit, and a huge asset to Pirates,” she said. “He has a deep understanding of rugby, a love for Cornwall, and his insight into our current operations and development plans have been incredibly valuable already. He made an immediate connection with Gav and Paves, and has been welcomed by his fellow consortium members. In no time, it feels as if he has always been with us. We are grateful for his support and looking forward to a strong future together.”