Pirates Head to Redruth: Will Pre-Season Opener Reveal Their True Form?

The Cornish Pirates will make the short trip to the Recreation Ground in Redruth this Saturday, 23rd August, for their first pre-season friendly ahead of the 2025/26 'Champ Rugby' campaign. Kick-off is at 3pm, with gate entry priced at £10.

The fixture brings together two clubs with a strong relationship and is expected to provide fans with an exciting afternoon of rugby.

New Faces on Show

Scrum half Dan Hiscocks will captain the Pirates in what will be the first chance for supporters to see many of the club's new signings in action. The match is the first of three warm-up games for the Pirates, with further friendlies scheduled at home against Bedford Blues on Friday 29th August and Exeter Chiefs on Friday 12th September. Both fixtures will kick off at 7.30pm.

Their opening competitive game of the season follows on Saturday 4th October, when they host Hartpury at the Mennaye Field, with kick-off at 2.30pm.

Coaches' View

Cornish Pirates joint head coach Gavin Cattle said:

"We are keen to get a bit of contact under our belts. The two clubs have had a good relationship both ways and our players have had the opportunity to have some valuable game time at Redruth in the past. Also, in part, it's ultimately about trying to improve the standard of rugby locally and to share our knowledge."

He added:

"Though not a massive squad we are really pleased with the detail that has been taken on board during pre-season. However, like anything you don't know until you get going where that measuring stick is at. What we can say is the application by the boys has been great, there have been some enjoyable days together, and I would add that from a gut feeling perspective we are pleased where we are at."

Team Line-Up

The Pirates' selection for Saturday is:

Starting XV:
15 Iwan Price-Thomas, 14 Ben Cambriani, 13 Chester Ribbons, 12 Harry Yates, 11 Arthur Relton, 10 Arwel Robson, 9 Dan Hiscocks (captain); 1 Billy Young, 2 Morgan Nelson, 3 Alfie Petch, 4 Charlie Rice, 5 Josh King, 6 Rory Suttor, 7 Barnaby Elderkin, 8 Tomiwa Agbongbon.

Replacements:
Matt Pritchard, Alessandro Heaney, Ollie Andrews, Milo Hallam, Matt Cannon, Will Rigelsford, Louie Sinclair, Joe Elderkin, Matty Ward.