Having impressively won their opening block of three Championship Cup games played in November, it’s a return to Cup action this weekend when in Round 4 on Saturday the Cornish Pirates will welcome Richmond to the Mennaye Field (ko 2.30pm).

The teams have already met twice this season, the Pirates winning 21-14 at home in the league last September and then 62-7 away to Richmond at the start of November.

The Pirates make several changes in their starting XV for this Cup encounter, including a return to action for fit again fly-half Harry Bazalgette. In the forwards, for both hooker Morgan Nelson and Royal Marine lock forward Josh Williams it will be their first competitive match starts for the team, whilst after a lengthy spell out injured replacement lock Steele Barker will be eager to make his first appearance of the season. Finally, also listed among the replacements is prop Hayden King, who returns to the fold following injury and then game time acquired on loan at Plymouth Albion. Royal Navy Captain Jarrard Hayler is in line for a second appearance of the season, having made his first also against Richmond.

Speaking ahead of Saturday’s match, Cornish Pirates’ joint head coach Gavin Cattle has commented:

“As we return to Cup action our aim is to win our home games and ultimately strive for a home semi-final.                                                                       

“It is also good to have a fresh focus and, whilst keeping a certain continuity, there are as usual a few changes with boys being blooded back into the team and there a couple of different combinations as well.

“Scrum half Ali Stacey, who was on the bench last week and only joined us a few days earlier from Cardiff Uni to provide short term cover, could potentially make his debut for the team. A product of the Pirates youth section he has trained very well and is enjoying the experience.”