Neil Smith – Community Coach

When Sam Teasdale stepped down from office in 2023 as the lead Community Coach at the Cornish Pirates, it was Neil who took over.

Experienced in coaching for the best part of 20 years, Neil is a former Askeans and Charlton Park player who also represented Kent. He joined England Rugby as a Community Rugby Coach in 2010 and moved to Cornwall in 2012, since when he worked extensively with clubs and schools. He also has a wealth of experience working alongside and supporting coaches with their own rugby journey.

Neil has lived in St. Austell with his Cornish wife and their son for over a decade. As a family, they love going to the beach, with one of their favourites being Treyarnon Bay on the North Coast.