For the Cornish Pirates this Saturday marks the start of a new league season, the Championship also having rebranded under the name of ‘Champ Rugby’.

First up for the Cornish Pirates is a home encounter against Hartpury (ko 2.30pm), who will inevitably provide strong opposition. Under newly named Pirates’ captain Alex Everett, he will lead a team that has welcomed back fly-half Arwel Robson and hooker Morgan Nelson, whilst  four squad players keen to make their league match debuts for the club, when/if called off the bench, are young fly-half/full-back Louie Sinclair who is dual registered with Exeter Chiefs, wing Matty Ward, Irish prop Alessandro Heaney, and Australian backrower Rory Suttor.

A great match day atmosphere can be anticipated at the Mennaye Field, where supporters will notice and appreciate certain close season improvements that have been made about the historic ground.

Commenting ahead of Saturday’s game, Cornish Pirates’ coach Joe Walsh has said:

“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.”

Cornish Pirates:   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