Cornish Pirates Begin New Champ Rugby Season Against Hartpury

This Saturday, 4th October, marks the start of the Cornish Pirates’ league campaign as the newly branded Champ Rugby season gets underway. Their opening clash sees them face Hartpury at the Mennaye Field, with kick-off at 2.30pm.

A Fresh Start Under New Leadership

The Pirates will be led out by their newly appointed captain Alex Everett, who takes charge of a side welcoming back key players. Fly-half Arwel Robson and hooker Morgan Nelson both return, while lock Milo Hallam, who featured six times last season, makes his first start for the club.

Four players are also in line to make their league debuts from the bench. They include young fly-half/full-back Louie Sinclair, dual registered with Exeter Chiefs, wing Matty Ward, Irish prop Alessandro Heaney, and Australian backrower Rory Suttor.

Coach Eyes Strong Start

Cornish Pirates coach Joe Walsh said the squad is prepared and eager to perform after a long build-up.

“Having had a long and slow-burn pre-season, after getting in our final prep we will be raring to go and perform.

“There has been credit due our new acquisitions who have proved adaptable to our environment, have brought their experience to the group, and are fitting in very well.

“As for a first up fixture versus Hartpury, they are a great outfit against whom we lost two and won two games last season. It will inevitably be a real challenge, as we know they will provide strong opposition and will, like us, be keen to get off to a winning start.”

Matchday Details

Supporters heading to the Mennaye can also expect to see improvements made around the historic ground over the summer, adding to what promises to be a lively atmosphere.

Cornish Pirates starting XV:
15 Iwan Price-Thomas, 14 Arthur Relton, 13 Chester Ribbons, 12 Joe Elderkin, 11 Harry Yates, 10 Arwel Robson, 9 Dan Hiscocks; 1 Billy Young, 2 Morgan Nelson, 3 Alfie Petch, 4 Milo Hallam, 5 Josh King, 6 Matt Cannon, 7 Jack Forsythe, 8 Alex Everett (captain).

Replacements: 16 Sol Moody, 17 Alessandro Heaney, 18 Ollie Andrews, 19 Rory Suttor, 20 Tomi Agbongbon, 21 Will Rigelsford, 22 Louie Sinclair, 23 Matty Ward.

Referee: Jamie Parr
Assistants: Kevin Williams & Simon Adams
Official 4: Paul Box
Match Day Sponsor: ARW Scaffold Contracting Ltd