FOUR Penryn players have been included in Cornwall's initial training squad ahead of this year's County Championship campaign in May.

Forwards George Jones, Jordan Rose and Grant Randlesome and back Mitchell Vague have been called into the squad.

Talking to Bill Hooper at St Austell Brewery on Wednesday, Borough skipper George Jones said: “It’s brilliant to be back involved, last season I wasn’t really fit and then the re-hab I’ve had to go through to get back was quite intensive, but since I’ve been back playing for Penryn I feel that I can get back to the level I was at two seasons ago. It’s going to be tough, there are lot of good lads in the squad this season."

Jones feels that Graham Dawe’s involvement at Penryn this season has had a big influence on his and many of the other players.

“It’s been great to have Graham there on a Monday night, I knew what to expect having worked with him before but for some of the lads it was a big eye-opener. He is hugely experienced and what he can achieve on the training ground with limited numbers is top quality."

For fellow Borough back-rower Jordan Rose it’s a similar tale to that of his skipper.

“I was involved a few seasons ago when I was young but this is going to be a different level now. I am very excited to be involved following my long lay-off due to injury. I could quite easily be watching rugby rather than playing with my injury, so this really helps boost my confidence that I can be part of something big if I work hard and show what I can do."

A number of training sessions have been planned ahead of. Cornwall's annual Tamar Cup match with Devon on Monday, April April 10 at Tiverton RFC (7.30pm), before the first game County Championship game that takes place on Saturday 7 May away to Surrey RFU and will be played at Richmond RFC.

Cornwall coach Graham Dawe said: “The 2017 season will be very challenging, with away games against Surrey and Devon, before the final pool stage game home to our old rivals Hertfordshire."

Redruth coach Marek Churcher has been appointed as backs coach for the county side.

CRFU President Peter James said: “I am delighted to welcome Marek as part of the coaching team to work alongside Graham Dawe for the coming season. It is pleasing to see a talented Cornwall club coach have the opportunity to work with the full county squad”

Marek said, “It was a real honour to be considered for the position of backs coach for the county team. It is somewhat ironic that I was coached by Graham when I played for Plymouth Albion, and of course was immensely proud to have pulled on the black and gold at senior level as well. There is vibrancy about the whole set up and I am really looking forward to getting stuck into my new role.”

Marek grew up in Penryn went onto to play for Redruth and Plymouth Albion and earned eight caps playing for Cornwall. He has attained his level 4 RFU coaching qualification, and works with Exeter Chiefs, primarily with the Academy and in conjunction works at Truro College with the rugby Academy.

Former Cornish Pirates and Worcester scrum half Rhodri McAtee is also on board as a skills development coach.

Cornwall's first training session will be early in February in preparation for the Tamar Cup, and County Championship games.