Cornish Pirates Aim to Rebuild Squad After Injury-Plagued Premiership Rugby Cup Exit

Cornish Pirates' joint-head coach, Dave Cattle, is emphasizing the need to 'regenerate' his squad during the upcoming break, following their challenging campaign in the Premiership Rugby Cup. The team, finishing at the bottom of Pool E, managed only one victory against five defeats but ended their campaign on a high note with a 43-7 win over Hartpury. This match saw notable tries from Iwan Price-Thomas, Cameron Jones, Will Trewin, Charlie McCaig, and a double from hooker Sol Moody.

Cattle highlighted the significant impact of injuries, with 17 players sidelined, which severely limited training and strategy preparations. 'We've got a massive injury list but we've got a bit of a stint now and hopefully we can regenerate some of those boys,' explained Cattle. The injury crisis has forced the team to frequently revise their plans, but it has also provided opportunities for new and younger players to make their mark.

Recent matches have allowed academy graduates Barnaby Elderkin and Milo Hallam to debut, along with new signings Sam Cantwell and Exeter Chiefs loanee Louie Sinclair. 'The energy was there from the get-go and it was great to see the likes of Barnaby Elderkin and Milo Hallam getting their debut,' Cattle noted. Despite the disruptions, the team showed potential and resilience, particularly in their final match.

Looking forward, the Pirates are focusing on recovery and preparation for their next challenge in the Championship, starting on 21 March against London Scottish. The team aims to overcome their injury woes and emerge stronger, with a lineup featuring emerging talents and strategic reinforcements.