“JAMAL Ford-Robinson’s and Tom Kessell’s departures to Bristol and Northampton shows the talent of Cornish rugby players is the highest it has been for some time.”

These are the thoughts of the county’s assistant coach Ian Morgan, who also believes the transfers can act as an inspiration for other players in the Duchy.

Last week it was confirmed Cornish Pirates scrum-half Kessell would be joining the current Aviva Premiership leaders next season while his team-mate Ford-Robinson will be heading to Ashton Gate.

The prop was part of the Cornwall side last season who lost 36-26 in the Bill Beaumont Cup final at Twickenham and Morgan said it shows what an opportunity the present side have to show themselves off to the big clubs.

Morgan said: “Just look at Jamal, he came up through the England Under 20s, went off to Cambridge then decided to come back to play with Cornwall last year and through that he got in the England Counties side and then a spot at the Pirates.

“Now he has progressed from there to Bristol.

“The strength and depth of talent in Cornwall in terms of rugby players is the best it has been for a while and the County Championship is a great chance to get in the shop window.

“Unless you have an agent, you don’t really move out of Cornwall and this is a chance to play at a higher level and hopefully get to a televised game at Twickenham, where you can really show your talents.”