Global Cornish and Cornish Pirates Sign Partnership Agreement

Global Cornish and the Cornish Pirates have signed a Memorandum of Understanding that sets out a new partnership focused on strengthening Cornwall’s global connections and engaging its worldwide diaspora.

The agreement brings together a new organisation created to connect Cornish people around the world with one of Cornwall’s best known sporting institutions.

Shared values and a global outlook

The Memorandum of Understanding is built around the shared values of Past, Present and Promise. These reflect Cornwall’s heritage, its strengths today and ambitions for a confident global future.

The partnership is designed to engage Cornwall’s global diaspora, strengthen international links and create new opportunities for Cornwall’s communities, culture and economy.

About Global Cornish

Launched in 2025, Global Cornish was created to connect and activate Cornwall’s global diaspora. This community is estimated at more than six million people who are Cornish by birth, ancestry or by choice.

Global Cornish aims to strengthen Cornwall’s international profile, support cultural, creative, academic and business sectors, encourage philanthropy, investment and mentorship, and create opportunities for young people.

The agreement with the Cornish Pirates is one of Global Cornish’s earliest and most significant partnerships to date.

Global Cornish is still at an early stage of development, with Cornwall Council providing early backing to help establish its foundations, partnerships and confidence as it works towards becoming a world class diaspora organisation for Cornwall.

Cornwall Council support

Councillor Leigh Frost, Leader of Cornwall Council, said Cornwall is ready to look outward and build stronger global connections.

“Global Cornish represents an innovative new chapter for Cornwall. As a proud Celtic nation with a far reaching diaspora, we have an opportunity to strengthen our global presence in a way we’ve never done before. Cornwall Council is pleased to support this work, and the MoU with the Cornish Pirates is an early example of how our cultural and sporting institutions can help amplify Cornwall’s voice on the world stage.”

A natural partnership through sport

Cornish Pirates is one of Cornwall’s most recognisable sporting organisations and has a long history of representing Cornwall nationally and internationally.

The club’s modern journey has been strongly influenced by the Cornish diaspora, particularly through Dicky Evans, now Sir Richard Evans, whose international success and lifelong commitment to Cornwall helped shape the club and inspired Cornish communities around the world.

The agreement recognises sport as a powerful connector within the global Cornish community, offering shared pride, belonging and cultural identity.

Under the Memorandum of Understanding, Global Cornish and the Cornish Pirates will work together to develop international connections, explore diaspora led opportunities and share Cornwall’s story through sport and community engagement.

Nicola Lloyd, Founder of Global Cornish, said: “This MoU marks an exciting step for both Global Cornish and the Cornish Pirates. The connection between Cornwall and its global community is powerful—and sport has always been one of the most visible expressions of that connection. We’re delighted to be partnering with Sally and the Pirates to celebrate our shared heritage and to work together on new opportunities for Cornwall, wherever in the world our community may be.”

Pirates CEO to speak in London

As part of the announcement, Sally Pettipher, CEO of Cornish Pirates, has been confirmed as a speaker at the Global Cornish launch event at the Houses of Parliament on Monday 15th December 2025.

Sally said: “Cornish Pirates has always believed in the strength of our community, both at home and across the world. The story of Dicky, now Sir Richard, Evans shows how deeply the diaspora can shape and support sport in Cornwall. Our partnership with Global Cornish builds on that legacy. We’re proud to support an initiative that brings Cornwall’s global family together and unlocks opportunities for generations to come.”

At the event, Sally will share reflections on Cornwall’s sporting legacy, the impact of the global diaspora and the role the Pirates can play in shaping Cornwall’s future.

Looking ahead

The Memorandum of Understanding marks the start of a collaborative relationship exploring opportunities across community engagement, international networks, talent development, cultural storytelling and global promotion.

Together, Global Cornish and the Cornish Pirates aim to create a long term asset for Cornwall that reflects its past, strengthens its present and builds its promise for the future.