‘Together We Rise’

‘Together We Rise’

For the Cornish Pirates, and indeed Cornwall, the words ‘Together We Rise’ suit well.

There have been many examples in the past whereby feelings of parochialism have been cast aside, for success to be proudly achieved – by ‘One & All’! With a Stadium for Cornwall soon to be a reality, such thoughts should be kept in mind.

The forthcoming pre-season Triangular set of fixtures to be played between Camborne, Redruth and the Pirates will be event of coming together, akin to a gathering of the clan. To be played at the Recreation Ground, Redruth, on Saturday 24th August (ko 2.30pm), it is envisaged that Camborne will be the hosts next year and the Pirates the year after that – in the new Stadium.

From a Cornish Pirates perspective, it has been great to witness over the years a number of gifted Cornish players have been able to play at Championship level, their talent and potential realised and nourished through their associations with other fine Cornish clubs, including Camborne and Redruth. Of the present Cornish Pirates squad AJ Cant, Jake Clemson, Tom Cowan-Dickie, Tom Duncan, Robin Wedlake and John Stevens have all played for Redruth, and Sam Matavesi for both Camborne and Redruth.

Community work undertaken by the Cornish Pirates has been well documented, with excellent relations built with both schools and clubs. This has at times also involved supporting other Cornish coaches, as has been the case this summer when Chris Fuca (Redruth), Lewis Vinnicombe (St. Ives) and Ryan Westren (Cornish All Blacks), who in the past all wore the Pirates shirt, have been able to witness the Pirates in training. Ian Goldsmith (Cornish All Blacks) also accompanied Ryan and all were warmly welcomed by the Cornish Pirates coaching staff.

Looking forward again to the stadium, the hope in the future will be to develop more Cornish players and to keep the best of such talent here in the county – the dream for them to one day play here in the Premiership.

Fostering these close relationships will continue the growth of Cornish rugby, and by working together we will all rise.

Cornish Pirates’ Director of Rugby Chris Stirling has commented:

The rugby folk in Cornwall rightly hold great pride that their team were winners of the County Championship.

With a view to keeping this wonderful county at the top of England’s rugby’s map into the future, as the game is evolving it is crucial that our clubs work closely and assist each other.

Working together on talent ID, player, coach and support staff development can only improve the standard of rugby for the benefit of the whole of Cornwall.

Meet the Players Evening

Supporters of the Cornish Pirates are reminded that this year’s ‘Meet the Players’ Evening is scheduled to take place at the Mennaye Field, Penzance, on Friday 16th August, when the names of this coming season’s Captain and Vice-Captain will also be announced.

This occasion provides an opportunity for supporters, sponsors and everyone connected with the club to attend what is always a popular event in the calendar.

The clubhouse bar will be open from 6pm, when tickets can also be collected from the club’s Ticketing Manager, Sue, who will be based by the Honours Board until 6.45pm.

At 7pm the whole squad will emerge from the tunnel and line up in front of the Truro & Penwith College Grandstand for the team’s new signings to be introduced. Following this both Paul Durkin (Chairman) and Chris Stirling (Director of Rugby) will address the crowd to outline the club’s hopes and aspirations.

To conclude the evening ‘One & All’ will then meet and talk informally in the clubhouse, as together everyone looks forward to a what promises to be an exciting rugby campaign ahead.