One of the Cornish Pirates longest serving stalwart players, hooker Rob Elloway, has announced his retirement from the professional game.

Rob, who aims to spend more time with his growing family is one of the club’s longest serving and most popular players. He has been an integral part of the team's success since signing in the summer of 2007 and has played 229 games, having reached 200 during last season.

Rob said: “Involved in playing professional rugby for 15 years, I have been lucky enough to play for Gloucester, Cornish Pirates, Barbarians and Germany, all of which have been memorable.

Ten of those years have been with the Cornish Pirates, and I have many great memories.

In particular, winning the British & Irish Cup against Munster, beating Nottingham in the mud a few days after the passing of a great clubman, Dave ‘Bezzy’ Berryman, and scoring two tries to beat Bristol at home in 2015.

Now with a two-year-old and another baby on the way in July, I want to spend more time with my wife and children, I feel excited to start the next chapter in my life and keen to find a role where my positive nature and enthusiasm will make a difference.

Although, I have to say, as my wife, son and I all love rugby, there’s no doubt that I won’t be far from a rugby pitch for too long. My son, Oliver, already attends Rugbytots and he loves to score a try!”

In a message from Kenya, Director and former club President Dicky Evans wrote: “Rugby is about characters and ability and Potty has always led the way on both parameters.

“Don't let looks fool you or demeanour, always being the gentlemen with a lovely smile along with the scars of battle (the missing teeth and slight lisp) but at the coalface he has proved himself to be a high quality rugby man who has played some great rugby for the Pirates and will be a loss on and off the park.

“Playing on the edge, Rob has a great collection of cards (yellow ones), so much so that several years ago I floated the idea to him that players who collected them as a badge of honour should get a simple fine - only to be shot down in flames that it was referees who didn't understand him or his game.

“Rob is a top bloke, a top character, and for many years one of the first names on the team sheet in a very good Pirates squad - we wish you all the best and will miss you Potty."

‘Potty’ will indeed be missed, including in the clubhouse kitchen where he regularly sneaked away to for a cup of coffee. At the same time, everyone at the Pirates will wish him and his family well.

Three more players who have signed new contracts for the club.

Back-rower Tom Duncan has signed for an extra two years, whilst centre Nicolas De Battista and full-back Toby May have each put pen to paper on one year contracts.

Cornishman Tom, playing at No. 8, has displayed try-scoring credentials, and in the past two seasons alone has notched up 22 tries, including a brace at Yorkshire Carnegie last weekend.

Prior to signing for the Cornish Pirates last year, Nicolas had played all of his previous rugby for Jockey Club de Rosario in Argentina.

As for Toby, who signed for the Cornish Pirates in 2015, the former Cambridge ‘Blue’ and England Students player has been all but an ever present during his time in Cornwall.

Coach Gavin Cattle said: “This trio have proved themselves to be gifted and important members of the squad. They each have different strengths to bring to our game, which is good, and their continued presence will undoubtedly aid the development and thus growing strength of our team.

“Also, with a healthy number of players lining up to sign new contracts, further announcements will follow in the very near future.”