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Front rowers commit to Pirates

Posted: April 28, 2022
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Front rowers commit to Pirates

 

Confirming the first of their re-signs and new arrivals for next season, the Cornish Pirates can confirm that prop forwards Jack Andrew and Marlen Walker have signed new deals with the club, whilst hooker Will Crane will join from Hartpury.

 

Jack has put pen to paper on a one-year contract.

Since signing for the Pirates back in 2013, Cornishman Jack, now aged 31, has to date made 198 appearances for the club as the most experienced member in the squad.

Cornish Pirates’ joint head coach Alan Paver, who is delighted to have captured Jack’s signature once more, has commented:

“It is fantastic news that someone with Jack’s experience has signed for us again.

“Jack knows the Pirates way, the Pirates culture, and has been a huge force for the club both on and off the pitch. We are delighted to see him here for another year.”

 

Marlen Walker has also signed a one-year contract.

A former New Zealand Secondary Schools player, Auckland-born Marlen, aged 33, joined the Cornish Pirates back in 2015 when in February that year he was quick to make his mark. Indeed, after being introduced off the bench he helped the team record a memorable 45-38 points win against Bristol and has since taken his games tally for the club to 147.

 

Commenting reference Marlen signing for another year, Cornish Pirates’ joint head coach Alan Paver said:

“To have Marlen with us next season is excellent news. He has proved himself a truly talented front-rower and is also someone who is a pleasure to work with.

“Marlen has vast experience, and he doesn’t hold back from sharing that with the young guys coming through, which is invaluable.”

Alan added:

“He has obviously made Cornwall his home with his young family, and we are delighted.”

 

Solihull-born hooker Will Crane, aged 28, is the player named who has signed a one-year contract and joins from Championship rivals Hartpury where he was a try-scorer in their 37-18 win against the Pirates last September.

Having previously played for Birmingham & Solihull, Moseley, and Excelsior Blues in New Zealand, Will has been with Hartpury for five years. He has captained the side and was a member of the England Students squad during the ‘Covid’ year. Also, during the interrupted 2019/20 season he featured as a replacement for Gloucester Rugby away to Exeter Chiefs.

Cornish Pirates’ joint head coach Alan Paver, who is looking forward to welcoming Will on board, has commented:

“Will is an experienced Championship player who has been an amazing contributor for Hartpury but is now looking to make that next step into a fulltime environment.

“His decision is one that fits nicely for him, and for us, and although he will miss Hartpury and they will miss him, we are looking forward to introducing him into our squad.”

Will also said:

“I am very excited to be joining the Cornish Pirates and can’t wait to get down there and get stuck in.

“It is a great opportunity for me at this stage of my career and I’m also naturally looking to explore the wonderful county of Cornwall and to take up into surfing again.”