After a welcome week’s break, the Cornish Pirates players have been back toiling once again as they start ‘Phase 2’ of pre-season training which, under the direction of the club coaches, will see the introduction of contact and kicking as they get closer to the real thing.

They will have three pre-season-friendlies in August and then the start of the Championship in September.

After a pre-season home game against Welsh Premiership side Aberavon Wizards on Saturday, August 12 (ko 4.30pm), the Pirates will a week later play an Exeter Chiefs selection away on August 19 (ko 1.30pm). The final pre-season fixture is at home to Plymouth Albion on Saturday 26th August (ko 5pm).

As for the Championship, the campaign opens away to Ealing Trailfinders on Saturday, September 2, followed by a home match against Bristol Rugby on Sunday the 10th.

In the meantime, the popular ‘Meet the Players’ event will take place at the Mennaye Field, Penzance, and in the Pirates ‘Westholme’ clubhouse, on Friday, July 28, from 6.30pm.

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