Quickly following news that Dan Lee and Marlen Walker had signed contracts that will keep them at the Cornish Pirates for a further two years, the club has received another prompt boost whereby the signatures of Alex Cheesman and Chris Morgan have been similarly captured (again, for a further two years).

London-born Alex started playing rugby at Marlow RFC, then later for RGS High Wycombe. A three times Oxford ‘Blue’, he joined the Pirates in 2012 as a centre but then converted to playing in the back-row where his development and committed performances have deservedly earned him due plaudits. Shaggy-haired and hard-working as a flanker, Alex reached the 100 games milestone for the club in December.

As for back-rower Chris, who has also featured in the second-row, he has now played over 200 games for the Pirates. His first appearances were in 2005/06 when on loan from Bristol, before he signed full time for the club from Newbury in 2008. Proudly captain of the Pirates for the past three seasons, stalwart Chris has won various club awards over the years and was a member of the 2010 British & Irish Cup winning team. He has also played for the Barbarians.

Coach Alan Paver said: “For both Alex and Chris to sign is fantastic news for us. They are fully committed individuals who have deserved respect for the way they play, and indeed for their overall attitude.

“Alex has proved himself as one of the bet back-rowers in the Championship, and Morgs is of course a legend who is still playing superbly.”