Olly White next to sign for Pirates

A next new signing putting pen to paper on a one-year contract for the Cornish Pirates is backrower Olly White.

Aged 22, Bangor-born Olly is a former Wales under 18s and under 19s player who has been captain of a very successful Exeter University side. Indeed, not just promoted this season as Champions of the South-West Premier League, the BUCS Super Rugby title was also theirs, although Olly unluckily missed the final because of injury.

Having first played rugby for Caernarfon RFC at the age of seven, Olly next played for Bangor and then Rygbi Gogledd Cymru (RGC) in their under 15 and under 16 sides.

A next move was to prestigious Llandovery College for sixth form education, from where he played in the Welsh Colleges league and in friendlies versus strong English schools. He continued playing for RGC in the regional competitions and from there was selected for Wales under 18s.

Next attending Exeter University (to study Mathematics and Physics), during his time based in Exeter he also played sevens rugby for Exeter Chiefs.

Outside of rugby, Olly enjoys rock climbing, mountain biking, and paddle boarding/sea kayaking which, prior to his arrival in Cornwall, he is very much looking forward to.

Cornish Pirates’ coach Louie Tonkin, who has worked with Olly in the past, has commented:

“Olly is a guy I know really well, having coached him during my time with Exeter Chiefs and Exeter University. He is a very talented young man who played for Wales under 18s and has this season captained the successful Exeter University team.

“A great acquisition, we feel Olly is someone physically ready to step up into the Championship. His set piece play is great, he’s a very good leader, and we are really excited about having him on board.”