Pirates Name Squad to Face the Chiefs

The Cornish Pirates have named their squad to face mighty Exeter Chiefs at the Mennaye Field on Friday evening (ko 7.30pm).

This much anticipated pre-season encounter was on Tuesday declared a sell-out, so a terrific atmosphere is guaranteed at a match where international referee John Paul ‘JP’ Doyle will be in charge.

The Pirates starting XV shows a side with three of the club’s new faces selected, namely wing Robin Wedlake plus the centre pairing of Rory Parata and Callum Patterson. Tom Concu, Danny Cutmore, Nodar Cheishvili and James McRae are also selected on the bench.

Speaking ahead of Friday evening’s fixture, coach Alan Paver has commented:

There is understandably a real buzz about because this match is a fantastic opportunity not only for the players, who are really looking forward to it, but also for the club as a whole.

At the same time we naturally understand the on-field challenge ahead of us as there will some really talented on players on show for the Chiefs, with whom we have a really good relationship.

Before the game on Friday, which is being sponsored by DA Giles, a coaching clinic for youngsters is being held and sponsor Ocean BMW & MINI will be selling tickets for an on-going raffle in support of Cornwall Air Ambulance (the named prize is a Series 1 BMW). The Cornish Pirates are also wearing Wooden Spoon socks in the match, whilst at half-time a collection will take place for the well-known rugby charity.