This weekend will see the Cornish Pirates take to the road to face Bedford Blues, for what will be a Round 22 contest in Elior Champ Rugby. Also, being played on Easter Saturday, a bumper crowd is guaranteed for this third versus sixth contest at Goldington Road (ko 3pm).

The Cornish Pirates have made three changes in their starting line up from the one that ran out against Worcester Warriors last Saturday. Firstly, fully fit again flanker John Stevens will be making his 150^th appearance for the team, whilst in Josh King’s injured absence Milo Hallam returns to the starting line-up and will pack down alongside Matt Cannon in the second row. The one other change sees Harry Yates named to partner Chester Ribbons in the centre.

Speaking ahead of Saturday’s encounter, Cornish Pirates’ coach Joe Walsh has said:

“We were disappointed not to get anything out of the game at home to Worcester last weekend, but they were strong and physical and the better team on the day.

“Now looking forward to remaining games, it is a big task ahead of us and a pity we didn’t capitalise on certain games earlier in the season. However, we are still in with a chance, it is what it is, and we know what we need to do.

“As for Bedford, they are solid in the set piece, have a good kicking game, and with the grounds having firmed up they always like to move the ball, so it should be entertaining.”

Commenting re John Stevens and his expected 150^th appearance, Joe also added:

“It is a massive achievement to make 150 appearances for a team, and it has been great to get him back in the environment. John himself will be keen to put in a good performance, as will the whole team to put their best foot forward on what will be a big day for him.”

The Cornish Pirates full selection for Saturday is as follows:

Cornish Pirates:   15 Angus Mawson 14 Arthur Relton 13 Chester Ribbons 12 Harry Yates 11 Matty Ward 10 Arwel Robson 9 Dan Hiscocks; 1 James French 2 Sol Moody 3 Alfie Petch 4 Milo Hallam 5 Matt Cannon 6 Alex Everett (captain) 7 John Stevens 8 Tomi Agbongbon.

Replacements:   16 Matt Pritchard 17 Billy Young 18 Ollie Andrews 19 Rory Suttor 20 Luke Ratcliff 21 Will Becconsall 22 Louie Sinclair 23 Joe Elderkin.