Meet the Players Night

By Phil Westren

Despite this summer’s now accustomed threat of poor weather, all was thankfully fine for the Cornish Pirates rescheduled ‘Meet the Players’ night held on Tuesday evening.

PA announcer Phil Westren welcomed all present, with the very good attendance confirming once again that the event is undoubtedly a popular one in the Pirates calendar.

Following an intensive training display given by the squad under the direction of Coaches Gavin Cattle and Alan Paver, the players then lined up in front of the main grandstand where nine new faces were introduced. They comprised signings Rupert Cooper, Nicolas Coronel, Tom Cowan-Dickie, Toby Freeman, Christian Judge, Dan Koster and Angus Taylor, along with Harrison Cully and Harry Strong, the first two players officially announced to be dual registered from Exeter Chiefs.

Both Alan and Gavin addressed the crowd to provide a fascinating insight to the training and preparation undertaken by the squad, plus there was a look ahead to the forthcoming season. Gavin also welcomed two new backroom personnel in Strength & Conditioning Coach Greg Sammons and Physiotherapist Gareth O’Neill.

Before retiring to the clubhouse, to mingle and meet informally, CEO Peter Child spoke in positive terms with reference to the Stadium for Cornwall, highlighting excellent partner relations developed with Truro City FC and Truro & Penwith College. He also confirmed that the Cornish Pirates expected to play at the exciting new venue from September, 2019.

Player sponsor photographs were also taken on the night, whilst Whirlwind Sports displayed all the latest Cornish Pirates apparel.