Antonio Kiri Kiri Departs

Ahead of their Championship Cup contest at home to Doncaster Knights tomorrow (ko 2.30pm), the Cornish Pirates can confirm the departure of backrower Antonio Kiri Kiri.

Now aged 30, since joining the Cornish Pirates from Yorkshire Carnegie in 2019, Kiwi-born Antonio, who is a former New Zealand Schools and All Blacks Sevens player, featured in 36 games for the club.

Commenting on this news, Cornish Pirates’ joint head coach Alan Paver has said:

“Throughout his time with us, Antonio has been a fantastic contributor, and we thank him for that. During the Covid period he supported the community, whilst on the field he led from the front, was very physical and skilful – as someone with the X-factor.”

Alan added:

“Antonio really committed himself to the Cornish Pirates and his life in Cornwall, which was at times difficult because his partner lives in London, so we were very thankful to have a player of his calibre for so long. Also, importantly, he was a great role model for all our up-and-coming young players as well.”