Stalwart Marlen is Set to Retire

Stalwart Marlen is Set to Retire

Having to date made 184 appearances for the Cornish Pirates, Auckland-born stalwart prop Marlen Walker, who will celebrate his 36^th birthday at the end of the month, is set to retire at the end of this season.

Marlen arrived at the Mennaye Field back in January 2015, initially to bolster the Pirates front-row options whilst on a short-term contract from Weston-Super-Mare. A former New Zealand Secondary Schools player, he made his debut for the club a month later as a replacement in a memorable 45-38 points home win against Bristol, since when he has proved to be a formidable and experienced front-rower, and someone very much a stalwart of the team.

Cornish Pirates’ joint head coach Alan Paver, who holds Marlen in high regard, has commented:

“Marlen is a great man who has been amazing for us both on and off the field.

“During his time here, he has developed into a fantastic leader and role model for young members of our squad, and he has mentored many fine budding front-rowers.

“Throughout, his commitment has been exceptional, and the way he conducts himself so admirable. Fantastically talented, he has been a top- level prop in the Championship who would have been worthy to play in the Premiership.”

Alan added:

“We will sorely miss Marlen, whose heart is now partly set in Cornwall, and whatever the future holds we wish him and his family all the very best.”

(Marlen, who expects to be involved in a coaching role outside of the county, will still though be featuring in his eagerly awaited MJW Testimonial 2024 match, which is due to take place at the Mennaye Field on Saturday 3^rd August)