Welcome Ross & Liz

Ross & Liz join the Pirates Team

The Cornish Pirates can confirm the appointments of Ross Collett and Liz McLean as members of their backroom team.

Born in Berkshire, but very much having a local connection – her dad and family live in Marazion and used to run the store called McLeans – Liz has been appointed in the role of Hospitality & Events Coordinator. 

Pleased to welcome Liz on board, Cornish Pirates’ CEO Rebecca Thomas has commented:

“With changes to the backroom team over the summer job roles were redefined leaving an obvious gap in this area. Getting back to hosting events and welcoming sponsors and supporters to match day hospitality is something we have all looked forward to and Liz brings a wealth of experience, enthusiasm, and a smile in everything she does.

Rebecca added:

“Liz has settled into the team very well and we all look forward to working with her going forward.”

More About Liz

Having trained as a childcare professional, Liz holds various qualifications, including in food nutrition and hygiene, and has been a childcare professional for 28 years who has run nine businesses. She also has experience in menu planning and events coordination.

Her sporting achievements have also been impressive, having in the past run the New York Marathon and climbed Kilimanjaro, besides playing rugby in the ‘7’ shirt for the Royston Crows ladies’ team in Hertfordshire and, more recently, enjoying CrossFit, walking and Beachfit.

Living with her partner Ian, Liz loves the outdoors, walking with her dog ‘Luna’, and camping out in her vintage VW campervan (when it’s sunny!). She also likes music, rugby, plus good food and wine.

Another new face at the Cornish Pirates is that of Ross Collett, who has been appointed in the role of Commercial Manager.

Born in Chester, and educated at Gordonstoun School and Warwick University, 47–year-old Ross is an accomplished marketing professional with over 20 years’ experience in brand communications, public relations, sponsorship, event management, business development and business management.

Speaking with reference to Ross’s appointment, Cornish Pirates’ CEO Rebecca Thomas said: 

“Ross has a vast amount of experience across the commercial sector encompassing everything that we are about as a professional sporting business.  Following a tough 18 months, for us, our sponsors and local businesses, this role is critical as we all rebuild some normality and are able to reconnect and continue to grow our brand.” 

More About Ross

Passionate about sport, Ross has worked on sponsorship and marketing campaigns for some of the world’s leading brands in the sports, lifestyle, and social purpose sectors.

Having left university with a BA Hons in German & International Relations, his career started with Lidl UK (4 years) followed by 2 years working with The Coca-Cola Company which, in his own words “opened my eyes to the company’s investment in sport”, leading him to join a specialist sports consultancy in London which handled sponsorship programmes for the likes of Vodafone, Barclays, B&Q, E.ON, Jaguar, UBS to name a few.

Ross has also had business experience working in Hong Kong and Singapore before arriving in Cornwall at the start of 2021.

As for hobbies and interests past and present, Ross played amateur rugby for London Scottish for over a decade (representing all six sides 1^st XV down to Vets), is a keen open water swimmer, an amateur downhill ski-racer, and a cricketer – has played this year for Grampound Road. He is also a ‘wannabe’ golfer (handicap – average), whilst now in Cornwall his next challenge is Cornish gig rowing!

Ross also likes travel, film, photography, food, real ale, and good wine, but most importantly spending time with his two children.