Pirates short for trip to London Irish

The Cornish Pirates have made several changes for their Greene King IPA Championship Cup trip to pool favourites London Irish at the Madejski Stadium on Sunday.

Rory Parata comes in to form a new centre partnership with Harry Strong, in place of Callum Patterson and Dan Koster. Strong has been moved in from the wing, from where he scored the Pirates only try in Sunday’s 22-20 home win over Bedford Blues. Teenager AJ Cant takes Strong’s place.

In the forwards, Jake Clemson, who is dual-registered with Exeter Chiefs, replaces Toby Freeman at lock, and Matt Bolwell takes over from another Exeter Chiefs dual-registered player in James McRae.

Player-coach Chris Morgan said: “Selection-wise we are bit light on our feet this week with international calls and dual-registered players being back at Exeter.

“However, this once again provides a great opportunity for some of the younger guys to step in, gain game time and show what they are about, which is exciting in itself.”

For the Irish, who started their Cup campaign with a 35-7 win at Hartpury, scrum-half Scott Steele captains on his 100th appearance for the club, while newly-signed Terrence Hepetema, who has played in both Super Rugby and the Premiership, is set to make his debut for the club after being named at inside centre.