Global Cornish and Cornish Pirates Sign Memorandum of Understanding

Global Cornish and Cornish Pirates Sign Memorandum of Understanding to Strengthen Cornwall’s Global Connections

Cornwall, UK — 26^th November 2025
Global Cornish and the Cornish Pirates have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) marking the start of a strategic partnership designed to engage Cornwall’s worldwide diaspora, strengthen international connections, and create new opportunities for Cornwall’s communities, culture, and economy.

The agreement reflects the shared values of “Past, Present and Promise”—celebrating Cornwall’s heritage, showcasing its strengths today, and opening doors for a confident global future.

About Global Cornish

Launched in 2025, Global Cornish is a new initiative created to connect and activate Cornwall’s global diaspora—estimated at over 6 million people who are Cornish by birth, ancestry or choice. Global Cornish aims to bring together the diaspora to strengthen Cornwall’s international profile, support Cornwall’s cultural, creative, academic, and business sectors, inspire philanthropy, investment and mentorship, and create opportunities for young people.

The MoU with the Cornish Pirates marks one of Global Cornish’s earliest and most significant partnerships to date, reflecting the organisation’s ambition to work with respected Cornish institutions that embody the region’s identity, culture and global reach.

Global Cornish is still in its infancy, and its development has been made possible thanks to the support of Cornwall Council whose early backing has helped Global Cornish begin establishing the foundations, partnerships and confidence needed to build a world-class diaspora organisation for Cornwall.

Cllr Leigh Frost, Leader of Cornwall Council, said Cornwall is ready for a more outward-facing and globally connected future: “Global Cornish represents an innovative new chapter for Cornwall. As a proud Celtic nation with a far-reaching diaspora, we have an opportunity to strengthen our global presence in a way we’ve never done before. Cornwall Council is pleased to support this work, and the MoU with the Cornish Pirates is an early example of how our cultural and sporting institutions can help amplify Cornwall’s voice on the world stage.”

A Natural Partnership Built on Diaspora Strength

Cornish Pirates is one of Cornwall’s most recognisable sporting institutions, with a long history of representing Cornwall’s identity on a national and global stage. The club’s modern journey has been deeply shaped by the Cornish diaspora, most powerfully through Dicky Evans, whose international success and lifelong commitment to Cornwall transformed the club and inspired the Cornish community worldwide.

The MoU recognises sport as a powerful connector within the global Cornish family, offering a shared sense of pride, belonging and cultural identity.

Under the agreement, Global Cornish will work with the Cornish Pirates to develop international connections, explore diaspora-led opportunities, and celebrate Cornwall’s story through sport, community and global engagement.

Nicola Lloyd, Founder, Global Cornish, said: “This MoU marks an exciting step for both Global Cornish and the Cornish Pirates. The connection between Cornwall and its global community is powerful—and sport has always been one of the most visible expressions of that connection. We’re delighted to be partnering with Sally and the Pirates to celebrate our shared heritage and to work together on new opportunities for Cornwall, wherever in the world our community may be.”

Sally Pettipher Confirmed as Speaker at the Global Cornish London Launch

As part of the announcement, Sally Pettipher, CEO of Cornish Pirates, has been confirmed as one of the speakers at the Global Cornish launch event at the Houses of Parliament on 15 December.

Sally Pettipher, CEO, Cornish Pirates, said: “Cornish Pirates has always believed in the strength of our community, both at home and across the world. The story of Dicky, now Sir Richard, Evans shows how deeply the diaspora can shape and support sport in Cornwall. Our partnership with Global Cornish builds on that legacy. We’re proud to support an initiative that brings Cornwall’s global family together and unlocks opportunities for generations to come.”

Sally will share reflections on Cornwall’s sporting legacy, the impact of the global diaspora, and the role the Pirates can play in shaping Cornwall’s future.

A Partnership Rooted in Cornwall’s Past, Present & Promise

This MoU marks the beginning of a collaborative relationship exploring opportunities across community engagement, international networks, talent development, cultural storytelling, and global promotion.

Together, Global Cornish and the Cornish Pirates aim to create a long-lasting asset for Cornwall—one that reflects its past, strengthens its present, and builds its promise for the future.

Media Enquiries:
Cornish Pirates — Ross Hancock: [email protected]

Global Cornish — Nicola Lloyd: [email protected]