Cornish front-rower Tom Cowan-Dickie will next season be making a return to the Cornish Pirates.

Signing a one year contract the talented 25-year-old, who can play hooker or prop, joins from Plymouth Albion.

In a first spell with the Pirates, which followed time spent with the Exeter Chiefs England Rugby Academy and Redruth, Tom made a Championship debut off the bench against Rotherham Titans in October, 2010. In two seasons he made 21 appearances and has since represented Exeter Chiefs, Plymouth Albion, Redruth, and then Plymouth Albion again. Also, as many will be aware, he was proudly a member of the Cornwall side that beat Cheshire 35-13 in last year’s County Championship final.

A product of Penzance & Newlyn RFC's youth section, Tom initially developed his rugby through the club and also at Mounts Bay School. He also performed well at Truro College, and was a try-scorer back in 2009 when they beat St. Peter's (Gloucester) 39-18 in the final of the prestigious Daily Mail RBS Cup competition, played at Twickenham.

Tom's younger brother Luke has represented the senior England side, whilst Tom has also achieved international honours with England U19s Academies and England Counties.

Cornish Pirates coach Alan Paver is delighted to welcome Tom back to the Mennaye Field, commenting:

“Tom is a nuggety, mobile and no nonsense front-rower, who at 25 is still young. He has already gained considerable experience and at the same time clearly has the potential to take his game to another level. We are really pleased to welcome him back to the Mennaye Field.”

Tom is also very much looking forward to making a return to his Cornish rugby roots. He has said:

“I'm excited and keen to return to the Cornish Pirates. It is a step up in level but a challenge that I am looking forward to, as is working with coaches like Alan and Gavin.

“During my first spell at the club, being younger then my playing opportunities were limited. However, it was a time well spent, developing as a player and especially at hooker, due to Rob Elloway and Dave Ward kindly taking me under their wing.

“I feel I have also benefitted during my time at Plymouth Albion, Redruth and Exeter Chiefs, and I therefore wish to express my appreciation to those clubs.”