Cornish Pirates will welcome Bristol Rugby to the Mennaye Field on Sunday (2.30pm), where a bumper crowd is expected.

The clear favourites to bounce back to the Premiership have a squad littered with international talent, with Pat Lam their experienced head coach.

Adding to an expected great atmosphere on the day will be the presence of the inimitable Falmouth Marine Band, plus of course the popular Cadgwith Singers.

Also, during half-time and on the exit gates, a collection will take place for The Chestnut Appeal, which is the club’s chosen charity for this season.

Team news this week confirms the same squad selected by the Cornish Pirates as lost narrowly at Ealing Trailfinders last weekend, there no changes in the starting XV or on the bench.

Coach Alan Paver has said: “Our aim this week has been to train well and roll our sleeves up, because we are really looking forward to Sunday’s game.

“Yes, the challenge ahead of us is going to be a mighty one, but it is also a great opportunity for our guys to test themselves against some of the best players in the league.

“In basic terms, we need to go out and pressurise the opposition, and with a fully committed performance who knows.”

Alan added: “All in all it should make for an exciting game, a spectacle not to be missed.

“A huge crowd is also expected, with a warm welcome given to the Bristol supporters who always form a good crew.”

Cornish Pirates team: Cornish Pirates: 15, Toby May, 14 Alex O’Meara, 13 Dan Koster, 12 Nicolas De Battista (c), 11 Kyle Moyle, 10 Laurence May, 9 Alex Day; 1 Marlen Walker, 2 Tom Cowan-Dickie, 3 Jack Andrew, 4 Josh Caulfield, 5 Toby Freeman, 6 Rupert Cooper, 7 Alex Cheesman, 8 Tom Lawday. Replacements: 16 Christian Judge, 17 Billy Keast, 18, Dan Lee, 19 Matt Bolwell, 20 Mike Pope, 21 Will Cargill, 22 Pete Laverick.