CORNISH Pirates host their first British & Irish Cup match of the season when Welsh regional side’s Ospreys Premiership Select side visit the Mennaye Field on Sunday.

Ospreys PS lost 25-14 to London Irish in their Cup opener played at the Gnoll, Neath, on Saturday, so will arrive determined to get a win under their belts this weekend.

Former ‘Pirate’ Rheon James, who now plays his club rugby for Aberavon Wizards, could perhaps feature in the match, as he was used as a replacement against London Irish.

The Cornish Pirates got their Cup campaign off to a sound start with a 23-10 points victory away against Connacht Eagles last weekend, so will be keen to back up that result up with another winning result this weekend.

There are four changes in the starting line-up from the team that ran out on the Emerald Isle.

In the pack, prop Marlen Walker and No. 8 Tom Duncan slot back into the side, whilst in the backs there are returns to action for full-back Toby May and centre Nicolas De Battista.

Coach Alan Paver said: “We take the cup very seriously and really enjoy playing different sides. It’s different from the Championship where squads are more or less the same week in week out, so for the Cup we take the opportunity to focus more on ourselves to prepare the best we can.”

Cornish Pirates: 15 Toby May, 14 Jack Arnott, 13 Tom Hendrickson, 12 Nicolas Battista, 11 Alex O’Meara, 10 Laurence May, 9 Mike Pope; 1 Marlen Walker, 2 Tom Channon, 3 Tyler Gendall, 4 Chris Morgan (capt), 5 Edd Pascoe, 6 Matt Bolwell, 6 Sam Simmonds, 8 Tom Duncan. Replacements: 16 Jack Innard, 17 Jack Andrew, 18 Brett Beukeboom, 19 Alex Cheesman, 20 Stuart Townsend, 21 Will Cargill, 22 Alex Dancer.

Tickets will be available at the gates on the day (open at noon for the 2pm kick-off), but they can also be purchased in advance – through the ticket office (telephone 01736-331961, open Monday to Friday 9am – 12 noon), and on-line.

For further information please contact either the ticket office 01736-331961, or visit the club’s website www.cornish-pirates.com

Also, for those interested in hospitality, please contact Tom Magill – email info@cornish-pirates.com, or telephone 01736 335314.