Cornish Pirates open season against Doncaster Knights at Mennaye

Summer’s over, at least on the pitch. Tomorrow afternoon the Cornish Pirates run out at the Mennaye for a game that actually counts, with a new stand behind one touchline and a former British and Irish Lion in the opposition dugout.

A pre-season that told them what to fix

It has been a build-up with a bit of everything. Hot summer weather in the close season gave way to two winning friendlies away to Camborne and Plymouth Albion, then a losing but commendable performance at home to the might of Saracens. This Sunday, 20 September, the Pirates open their 2026/27 Elior Champ Rugby campaign in earnest against Doncaster Knights, kick-off 4pm.

Coach Joe Walsh says the three different challenges did their job. “Firstly, our three different pre-season challenges were just what we wanted them to be. There was much to please in various ways, but also since the contest against Saracens there has been time to fix parts of our game where we identified we struggled.”

Two Champ debuts and a short-term arrival

Club captain Alex Everett leads the side out, with two summer signings handed their first Champ-level appearances for the club. Henry Palmer starts at full-back and Josh Radcliffe on the wing. Prop Osman Dimen, who has joined the Mennaye on a short-term deal from Harlequins, is named among the replacements.

Joe Walsh sees value in the players who already know the club. “With certain players returning to the squad it helps to maintain continuity, and continuity is king. They are guys who know what is expected of them and what the club is about. We are though a little skinny number wise, so news late this week confirming that four players from Exeter Chiefs have been lined up on dual registration is very welcome. Having said that, the guys who have been here are more than capable of doing a job.”

Ambitions set on the play-offs

Joe Walsh is clear about where the season needs to go. “Our ambition now for the season is to be strong at home, pick up points on the road, and ultimately make the play-offs. We do have some tough fixtures in our first block of games, which will provide challenges, and we will of course know better as to where we are after they have been played.”

Doncaster arrive with a Lion in charge

Doncaster Knights bring their own ambition to Penzance. The Yorkshire club’s appointment of former England and British Lions player Dean Richards as Director of Rugby signals intent at Castle Park, and Joe Walsh is not underestimating what his side is walking into.

“Looking to Sunday, we expect Doncaster to be formidable opponents, as they have some real quality in their side who have been retained from last season, plus they have some gifted new arrivals with the likes of Bailey Ransom and former ‘Pirate’ Harry Yates in their squad. Their back three can also hurt you from anywhere if you become exposed, so we’re expecting them to be a threat.”

A new stand, and a full house wanted

The Mennaye itself has changed since the Pirates last played a competitive fixture there. “As for the Mennaye Field, it’s great to see the new stand in place and it is up to all on the field to give supporters an enjoyable experience. It should be a great occasion, and we want the biggest crowd possible to enjoy it.”

Grandstand open, fanzone and cheerleaders before kick-off

The new grandstand has its soft launch this weekend, and there is plenty planned around the game itself. Doors and the shop open at 2pm, with a new fanzone running from 2.30pm to 3.30pm where supporters can meet Josh King and Angus Mawson and get free squad photos signed. Warm-ups start at 3.30pm ahead of the 4pm kick-off, with half-time entertainment from Thatchers Cider and a cheerleading performance from Penzance Gym Club. The first 500 through the gate get a foam finger courtesy of BLAZE.

Innovation Nursery and the newly launched Pirates Foundation are the club’s first match day and match ball sponsors of the season, with the match day collection going to the Pirates Foundation.

Cornish Pirates team news in full

Cornish Pirates: 15 Henry Palmer, 14 Arthur Relton, 13 Chester Ribbons, 12 Harry Ascherl, 11 Josh Radcliffe, 10 Arwel Robson, 9 Dan Hiscocks, 1 Alessandro Heaney, 2 Morgan Nelson, 3 Alfie Petch, 4 Milo Hallam, 5 Steele Barker, 6 Alex Everett (captain), 7 Jack Forsythe, 8 Hugh Bokenham.

Replacements: 16 Matt Pritchard, 17 Jamie Clark, 18 Osman Dimen, 19 Matt Cannon, 20 Tomi Agbongbon, 21 Will Becconsall, 22 Joe Elderkin, 23 Finn Love.

Referee Alex Thomas takes charge, assisted by Mike Hudson and Kevin Williams, with Steve Hambley the fourth official.

Kick-off at the Mennaye is 4pm tomorrow, Sunday 20 September.