Marine Jarrard Signs for The Pirates

Following in the footsteps of fellow Royal Marine Josh Williams, Chichester-born backrower Jarrard Hayler has signed a one-year contract with the Cornish Pirates.

A commissioned officer, who is presently on a sports draft arrangement, 27-year-old Jarrard has had the honour of captaining the Royal Navy in an Army versus Navy game at Twickenham, whilst other teams he has played for are Western Province Rugby Institute (South Africa), Plymouth Albion, Barnstaple, Taunton, Dundee, Saracens (Anglo-Welsh and 7s), Royal Marines, and the UK Armed Forces.

Ahead of his signing for the Cornish Pirates, Jarrard said:

“I am thankful and feel that being a Royal Marine has helped me grow as a person and enabled me to develop physical and mental robustness plus leadership skills, and to now be given the opportunity to join the Cornish Pirates I am thoroughly looking forward to being a part of the team and its culture.”

Cornish Pirates’ joint head coach Gavin Cattle also commented:

“An impressive young man, we have already seen from Jarrard his physical attributes. Also, because of his background, he has applied himself really well, has leadership qualities, and fits comfortably into our environment.

Gavin added:

“Seen as a real asset, given time to further integrate I am sure Jarrard is going to be a very good player for us.”