Dragons axis adds fire to Pirates bid for promotion
CORNISH Pirates jointhead coach Gavin Cattle believes the club’s Welsh connections are paying dividends in their battle for promotion.
Cattle, right, gave special praise to fly-half Arwel Robson – one of six Welshmen to recently join the club – and believes the 24-year-old can go a long way in the game.
Robson signed on a permanent deal after a short loan spell last season, and is one of four to have come from the Dragons.
Also, Welshman Syd Blackmore signed from Ampthill and Will Gibson arrived from Cardiff Metropolitan University.
Bridgend-born former Scarlets scrum-half Cattle said: “Initially we had a bit of an issue at fly-half with injuries. Luke Scully came from Cardiff and had a serious injury so then Arwel came through necessity, and then through those players you get links to others.
“We’ve built quite a good relationship with the Dragons which has served us well as we work around our budget limitations – it’s not just because I favour Welsh boys but I do think they often suit the Cornish way of life better.”
A hamstring injury blighted Robson’s final year at Dragons but he has found form at Pirates, and is sixth in the Championship’s scoring chart with 59 points ahead of today’s match against Doncaster, with Pirates third in the table.
Cattle said: “Arwel’s technical skills are very good and we’ve worked on his passing and kicking. He loves the game and challenges me at times as well which as a coach is great.
“His development is about getting back to that pre-injury level and leadership as this is the first time away from the Dragons and being a first-choice 10.
“We’ve put a lot of confidence and trust in his ability and it’s not just about his performance but also in bringing others into the game on an emotional level.
“The challenge as a halfback is how do you get your team to play for you. That’s normally leading through action and speaking at the right time. The leadership side of things is the biggest change for him.”
Cattle says its key for players’ development to get out of academies in search of game time. “Playing is the biggest tool for development and if you’re not getting that opportunity then you have to look further afield,” he said.
“In Arwel’s case, he’s had an injury history getting in the way of his development. Clubs have to priortise as they can’t play everyone, and they have to manage their budget. You can’t beat building a reputation through playing and this is a good opportunity for both Arwel and the Pirates.”