Pirates to face Jersey in a warm-up to the new campaign

CORNISH Pirates will play rival Conference A team Jersey Reds in a home pre-season friendly on Saturday before they kick-off their Greene King IPA Championship season with a home game against Saracens, writes Richard Hughes.

This season the Championship has been split into two Conference divisions – A and B – with Pirates also having to play Ampthill, London Scottish and Hartpury University home and away before a play-off between the winners of the A and B divisions determines who goes up to the Gallagher Premiership.

Pirates head coach Gavin Cattle said: “With it difficult in the current circumstances to get a warm-up match, having worked closely with Harvey [Biljon, Jersey Reds’ director of rugby] during the past couple of weeks we are grateful to them that we have managed to slot in this game at the last minute.

“It is pleasing, as both teams are desperate to get some meaningful action under their belts.

“There is only so much you can do against each other so we’re just looking forward to getting that competitive fixture and to get rugby up and running.”

There will be no supporters allowed for the game, and for the foreseeable future, but Pirates have taken a lead from football and set up live streaming which fans can watch for a £10 fee.

The games will available via 247.tv – at www.247.tv/gaa/champsrugby.

Explaining the changes from a ‘normal’ Championship season, a statement from the Rugby Football Union said: “A result of Championship clubs having little or no income for the last nine months the majority do not have the financial ability to meet the costs of Covid testing required under the elite sport framework.

“The clubs have, therefore, been in regular dialogue with the RFU to consider options and solutions to conclude the season.”

The Pirates have also confirmed that their opening game against Saracens at the Mennaye Field will be on Saturday, March 6 and will kickoff at 3pm.