Tom Channon returns

‘Hog’ Answers Pirates’ SOS Call

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

Because the move to ‘Oz’, however, is not happening just yet, ‘Hog’ has answered a call to help the Pirates who presently have certain hookers unavailable. Prop Marlen Walker, who featured in the number 2 shirt against the Royal Navy last Friday is fit and able, but with Syd Blackmore injuring his ankle in the match, plus with Tom Cowan-Dickie just returning to fitness, to have immediate quality back up is very welcome.

Cornish Pirates’ joint head coach Gavin Cattle has commented:

“Because of the situation with the pandemic in Australia, Tom’s expected travel arrangements have been put on hold and he was the obvious choice for us to contact at present.

“Everyone will be aware that Tom has been a consistent performer for us over many years, and quickly back in training he looks as if he has never been away. Keen to answer our SOS call, of no surprise integrating on his return has been easy and it is expected that he will feature against the Warriors on Saturday.”

Devonian Tom, now aged 30, signed for the Cornish Pirates from Bristol in 2013 and made a total of 131 appearances for the club. Known as someone who is 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.