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Hooker Tom is Off to ‘Oz’

Posted: July 26, 2021
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Hooker Tom is Off to ‘Oz’

The Cornish Pirates can confirm that hooker Tom Channon is leaving the club to move to Melbourne in Australia with his partner Abbey.

Having signed for the Cornish Pirates from Bristol in 2013, Devonian Tom, now aged 30, has made 131 appearances, which is a tally that would have been much higher but for cruelly suffering serious knee injuries in both the 2017/18 and 2018/19 seasons. To his credit, however, he worked hard on his recovery and throughout his time at the club has always been commended for his work in the community. Indeed, as someone always willing to respond and help where possible, he was deservedly awarded the Community Player of the Year award for three years running – 2018/2019/2020.

Speaking with reference to a player and person who will be sorely missed, Cornish Pirates’ joint head coach Alan Paver said:

We are naturally going to miss Tom, however at the same time all our very best wishes are expressed to him and his partner.

As everyone connected with the Pirates will be aware, Tom has been a huge contributor during his long time at the club, proving a valued member of the team and contributing really well both on and off the field, which is something to justly recognise and remember.

Tom has also commented:

The inevitably difficult but exciting decision to move to Australia followed my partner Abbey having been offered the amazing opportunity to take up an appointment there as a doctor, which is a role she does here.

We thought long and hard about it but ultimately felt that the chance and offer was something we couldn’t turn down. Personally, I have not got anything lined up yet, but my aim will be to work in hospitality, with the hope that I gain a little experience here in advance.

Tom added:

Although my rugby career with the Cornish Pirates ends this week, we are not leaving until October, which means I will still be around to watch several fixtures.

My time at such a great club, where there have been and are a terrific group of players and coaches, etcetera, has been special. Lifelong friendships have been made and throughout I have always appreciated the wonderful supporters who always show interest week by week, win or lose, which makes it all a little more personal and special.

Yes, I’m leaving with excitement but inevitably also with sadness, because the Pirates have been such a big part of my life. I cannot put into words how big it has been and will continue to be in my thoughts.

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