Pirates Have Used Their Time Wisely

Pirates Have Used Their Time Wisely

The last 10 months of the pandemic have been difficult and inevitably frustrating for us all, including playing members in the Cornish Pirates squad.

To their credit, however, with no rugby, players have strived to use the time wisely. With several undertaking or continuing with educational courses, a couple of them buying their first houses and, in the case of Marlen Walker and Beth, becoming proud parents – Congratulations from us all!

For general interest please note the following examples:

Fa’atiga Lemalu – Not only one of the players who attended the St. Clare Medical Centre in Penzance early in the pandemic to help ensure that visitors to its pharmacy maintained recommended social distancing, Fa’atiga had also in March started a course in Counselling and Psychotherapy Training (CCPT). Feeling that the first lockdown gave him a chance to find something he was interested in, the CCPT course, which is still ongoing, fitted well. It was aligned with something he was/is really passionate about, and particularly with reference to the mental well-being of young athletes.

Jean-Baptist Bruzulier – ‘JB’ has been working for a PGCERT – a Postgraduate Certificate in Leadership – through a company called FUTURESMART, which has been established to help professional athletes prepare for life after their first career comes to an end. They help individuals gain the best CV possible for them to apply for a chosen second career or necessary qualifications when the time arrives. JB describes the company as being ‘amazing’. For more information please link to: https://www.futuresmart.uk/

Nicolas De Battista – Since 2018, Nico has been undertaking an online degree in Digital Design and Creations (Graphic Design), through the Universidad Oberta De Catalunya (UOC), which is a university based in Barcelona, Spain. Nico’s view has been that the degree has been something worthy to pursue during spare time, and that it will perhaps provide another option post his rugby playing days. UOC’s Bachelor Degrees are official European Higher Education Area (EHEA) qualifications, the courses comprising 240 ECTS (European Credit Transfer System) credits.

Paddy Ryan – Currently studying Business Management (Innovation and Entrepreneurship) with the Open University (OU), Paddy is in his third year of the course, having studied full time both last year and this. He enjoys studying with the OU, feeling he can not only achieve a degree whilst still playing but it also something to again put to good use after rugby. Paddy has one more part-time year left next year to achieve his qualification.

Rory Parata – Making the most of his spare time, through the University of Arts, London, Rory completed a short course titled Strategic Branding Identity and Brand Experience. He had felt it a good idea to gain skills in graphic design, which is what he wants to pursue following rugby. In the meantime, for Cornish Pirates social media use, to his credit Rory has also already helped Beth and Robyn create social assets this season.

Alex Schwarz – Through lockdown, Alex has been studying to do his ‘Day Skipper Theory Qualification for Sailing’. For aspiring skippers, it enables them to skipper sailing or motor yachts, including charter vessels, in countries that require certification. The online theory course, linked through the RYA, is apparently fresh, fun and engaging, gets results and saves one money!

Will Cargill – Starting his Gym Instructor Level 2 course in the summer 2020, Will has now completed that and is undertaking the next stage which is Personal Trainer Level 3. He is hoping to be a fully qualified and insured Personal Trainer by May 2021.

Jay Tyack – A few years ago Jay completed some work experience with MBA Consulting in Truro. Enjoying it, and thinking ahead, he later started a Bachelor of Engineering degree with the Open University in 2017. It is made up of continued assessment and exams and when he finishes playing his aim is to hopefully transition into the ‘real world’ as a civil/structural engineer.

And, of course, we must not forget AJ Cant and Antonio Kiro Kiri who have once again modelled the latest available Cornish Pirates merchandise. To view all items, please simply visit: https://cornish-pirates.com/shop/

Besides those named above, other players have also undertaken various worthy projects – all using their time wisely!