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Cornish Pirates issue statement after newspaper report on status
By Ian Cameron
Cornish Pirates have reacted to a report in The Rugby Paper that claims the side are set to become semi-professional.
Currently third in the Championship, the Pirates have not applied for promotion to the top-flight league. According to The Rugby Paper, the Cornish side are to speak with long-time benefactor Dicky Evans to decide if they to remain fully professional next season.
Cornish Pirates said in a statement: "We are aware of the article in The Rugby Paper today and the subsequent reaction to this.
"At this stage there is no official comment as matters relating to next season and beyond are still being worked through by the management of the Club in tandem with Dicky Evans. Ensuring the Club has a sustainable future and remains a competitive and ambitious Club are always at the forefront of discussions."
The news comes after it was revealed last week that neither Ealing Trailfinders nor Doncaster Knights would be promoted from the Championship. The two sides were not considered to have met the criteria for entering the league.
The idea that the club would go semi-professional seems at odds with their stated goal, as written on their website: "We then look to build a leading championship side and squad capable of winning the Championship and holding their place in the Premiership.
"Cornwall can support a Premiership Rugby Club and Premiership want a Cornish side in the Premiership. Our plan is to make that happen."
Last year Pirates upset Saracens in the opening round of the Championship, defeating Mark McCall's men 25-17 in the opening round of the second-tier competition - Saracens first competitive foray in the competition.
Cornish Pirates, who play at Mennaye Field, are currently awaiting completion of the Stadium for Cornwall project, a state of art stadium that they would share with Truro Football Club.
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Latest Comments
It certainly needs to be cherished. Despite Nick (and you) highlighting their usefulness for teams like Australia (and obviously those in France they find form with) I (mention it general in those articles) say that I fear the game is just not setup in Aus and NZ to appreciate nor maximise their strengths. The French game should continue to be the destination of the biggest and most gifted athletes but it might improve elsewhere too.
I just have an idea it needs a whole team focus to make work. I also have an idea what the opposite applies with players in general. I feel like French backs and halves can be very small and quick, were as here everyone is made to fit in a model physique. Louis was some 10 and 20 kg smaller that his opposition and we just do not have that time of player in our game anymore. I'm dying out for a fast wing to appear on the All Blacks radar.
But I, and my thoughts on body size in particular, could be part of the same indoctrination that goes on with player physiques by the establishment in my parts (country).
Go to commentsHis best years were 2018 and he wasn't good enough to win the World Cup in 2023! (Although he was voted as the best player in the world in 2023)
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