Jack Nowell drops in as Penzance & Newlyn RFC finds its feet

There was a familiar face in the room when Penzance & Newlyn RFC held its AGM. Jack Nowell, home in West Cornwall for a few days, was among those present as the club looked back on its first full year standing on its own since parting company with the Cornish Pirates. Nowell nowadays plays for La Rochelle, having previously turned out for Exeter Chiefs, England and the British Lions. He is one of a long line of players who started out in the club’s youth section.

Chairman Peter Whyte opened the meeting and welcomed everyone, before President Phil Westren gave his address, first asking those present to stand in memory of members who had passed away during the year. Phil said it had been a year with a difference. Since last summer’s demerger, which saw the Cornish Pirates separate from Penzance & Newlyn RFC, he felt it fair to say things had worked out well for what are now two separate clubs. He was pleased to see the Penzance & Newlyn name getting a heightened profile again, as it deserved.

A season in the higher league

Rhodri McAtee, in his first year as Director of Rugby, reported on a challenging but positive season across senior and girls’ rugby.

The 1st XV had adapted well to the greater physicality of the higher Regional 2 Tribute SW League. A strong second half of the season produced an eighth-place finish and comfortable league survival. Pre-season planning is already well underway, led by coaches Murray Westren and John Stevens.

The newly formed 2nd XV had a season to remember, going unbeaten in the league and winning the cup at the first attempt. Craig Stevens was confirmed as coach for the coming campaign, Jonny Badcock continues as skipper, and Jack Lugg was recognised for his contribution.

The girls’ section, established over the year, has grown in numbers. On the mini and junior side, Euan McNeill presented a report on behalf of chairman Steven Walsh, noting another successful season with continued growth in membership and participation across all ages and abilities.

Rebuilding the grandstand after Storm Goretti

The damage caused by Storm Goretti had posed real challenges, particularly to the main grandstand. Progress on repairs has been better than expected, and Peter Whyte said the ambition was to complete a new stand roof by mid-September. The new design will be less steeply pitched and more open than the old structure, improving sightlines for spectators.

There will also be improved shower and changing provision at the Mennaye Field, making it easier to host 1st and 2nd XV fixtures on the same day. Peter thanked the volunteers, officers, contractors and members who had contributed so far.

Off the pitch, improvements to the clubhouse continue and events have been well attended. The club’s email database has grown to around 400, and sponsorship has shown a marked improvement. Assistant Treasurer Martin Murrish said the club remained in a strong and stable financial position while continuing to invest in rugby and facilities.

A new name for the Mennaye Nurseries Field

Looking ahead, fundraising will focus on transforming the Mennaye Nurseries Field, recently renamed the Darren Hicks Memorial Ground. Committee member Scott Dugdale, described as a driving force behind the project, said the campaign would launch at the end of the month. Members would be asked to donate where possible and, importantly, to share the campaign widely.

A Constitutional Review was also deemed necessary, and the club is looking to fill the role of Honorary Secretary.

Martin Murrish made a Vice President

The election of officers confirmed Phil Westren as President and Peter Whyte as Chairman, with Rhodri McAtee as Director of Rugby and Lewis Adams as Honorary Treasurer. The Honorary Secretary post was left vacant.

Phil Westren proposed that Martin Murrish be made a Vice President, in recognition of outstanding service to the club. Geoff Read seconded the proposal, which was accepted unanimously.

A scrumhalf formerly of St Just, Martin joined the Pirates in 1991, won the club’s Most Improved Player award in 1993 and was Player of the Year in 1996. He also played for Cornwall and was club captain in 1996-97. Phil recalled that in his programme notes for a game against Taunton in February 1997, drawing on a profile he had written in 1994, he had predicted Martin would “develop into a still further influential figure”, which proved to be the case.

Since those days Martin has helped coach in the youth section, joined the committee, and more recently taken on the Assistant Treasurer role. Calm and seemingly unflappable, his contribution made the nomination a clear one.

No new Life Members were proposed this year, though Phil said careful thought should be given ahead of the next AGM to suitable recipients. The club will look forward to whatever the 2026/27 season brings, on the field and off it.

📷Jack is pictured in the photograph displayed along with Phil Westren, Peter Whyte, and Martin Murrish.)