Centre Callum is Returning Home

The Cornish Pirates can confirm that centre Callum Patterson is retiring from professional rugby and will return home to Ireland.

Having arrived in Cornwall back in 2018, Ballymena-born Callum, now aged 29, in his first two seasons made a total of 46 appearances. Also, in 2019/20, besides being voted the club’s ‘Player of the Year’ he was selected in The Rugby Paper’s Championship ‘Dream XV’.

Unfortunately, however, two serious injuries meant he would only feature in three more games in the following two seasons. A knee injury at the start of the Covid restricted 2020/21 campaign proved a blow, as did an ankle injury suffered against Coventry shortly after he returned to full fitness this January

Commenting on Callum’s news, Cornish Pirates’ joint head coach Gavin Cattle has said:

“Callum has been a massive contributor and made a real impact in his time with the Pirates both on and off the field.

“He impressed when we first saw him playing against us for Ulster A in the British & Irish Cup and he also shone in a Pirates shirt as one of the stand-out performers in the Championship.  It was cruel that he picked up two serious injuries, although he still, with his ever presence, had an influence around the team.

“Callum also fully immersed himself in Cornish life, and quite naturally bought into the Pirates ethos and has been popular with supporters.

“We are all sad to see him go, and wish him all the very best in the future.“

Callum has also said:

“It has been a privilege to represent the Cornish Pirates for the last four seasons, and I feel very lucky to have been part of this special group.

“Also, to the loudest and most passionate supporters both home and away, I personally can’t thank you enough for your support both through the good times and more recently in the last two years whilst I’ve been injured. It really has meant a lot.”

Callum added:

“Naturally I look forward to coming back to support the Cornish Pirates one day, so it’s not a goodbye, it’s a see you soon!”

More About Callum

As the Cornish Pirates continued to strengthen their squad for the 2018-19 season, it was initially announced in April 2018 that centre Callum was joining from Ulster on a one-year contract.

After education at Ballymena Academy, he then attended Harpers Adams University in Shropshire, where he played for Newport Salop and Shropshire.

Also, a Ballymena player, and one with a great work ethic, after finishing University Callum worked in agriculture for two years, played for Ulster A and was then rewarded in 2016 with a place in Ulster senior squad.

Besides rugby, Callum has represented Ulster and Ireland at youth level in tennis, and as a keen golfer is a member of Royal Portrush Golf Club